Westerly Konsort with bowsprit?

[gina]

We want to add a bowsprit to our Konsort to put a second genoa on it. Has anyone done this and what was their experience? We saw one Konsort like that in Germany, the owner said it helped going more to windward.

gina

 

[Guest]

As a surveyor ..... how is the balance of the boat ? Do you suffer lee / weather helm ?

As soon as you add another sail further out ahead you will 'upset' the balance you most likely enjoy now. Most Konsorts are reasonably balanced with a little weather helm - safe mode. If you add a 'sprit ...... you may have to think about lengthening boom and changing mainsail to compensate.

Finally remember that marina fees are on OVERALL length, add a 'sprit and your fees go up accordingly. Have a retractable 'sprit and you get into discussions after you berth one time with it still 'sticking out ! A well known South Coast Marine lost a valuable customer because he had the anchor stowed in the stem-head fitting when berthed - his mooring was based on his BOAT LOA, the marina measured his boat one day and increased his fees accordingly - result was he removed his boat to another marina and DOES NOT STOW HIS ANCHOR same anymore ..........

Nigel