Gaff Rig

[sidon]

Could anybody point me in the right direction of any books/information on converting a bermudan rig to a gaff rig on an 18ft 8' dayboat. My Father has built a fair amount of wooden boats however only racing dinghies, and he has absolutely no experience with gaff rigs. I Feel that this boat would benefit from being gaff rigged.
Thanks in anticipation

Simon

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[dip_lug]

Hello Simon.

Although not a how to book, American Small Sailing Craft by Howard L. Chapelle (published by Norton) has many illustrations of Gaff, and similar rigs. Boatbuilding by the same author and publisher is the undisputed bible of how to build anything for a wooden boat.

Incidentally, I’ve been sailing gaff and lug rigs for almost a quarter of a century. They attract admiration wherever I sail. The lug is the simplest, although not the most efficient sail to windward.

Good luck.

Colin.

<hr width=100% size=1>In Rust We Trust

 

[Peterduck]

Gaff Rig Handbook, by John Leather, is a very good and comprehensive look at the use of gaff rig in various boats and situations. It would be my starting point.
Peter.

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