Adding bowsprit/jib to a 23' catboat

[David Shipway]

Has anyone had experience adding a bowsprit and jib to an existing catboat rig? I have a 23'x 10' cat, with mast only 1' back from stempost. The goal would be to reduce weather helm, and perhaps maintain more sail area and windward ability when double-reefed.

[JimD]

Charles Wittholz was pretty good at it

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid176/pb99a06e6ab7f1bf7f4d6d44c4c07e3c3/f35758d6.jpg

[Ian McColgin]

One of the Crosbys did just that to a boat his grandfather had built. Really improved her. He started with a sprit he figured was too long and shortened it up when he was sure. The big jib on a roller-furler was not hurt as moving the tack back just made for genny style overlap. He eventually settled on a clubbed 75% jib to use with one or two reefs - not so uncommon around here in a good afternoon southwesterly.

[ahp]

In the 19th century catboat/sloops raced for big cash prizes. They had two mast steps. On Saturday they might race as a catboat with the mast in the foreward step. On Sunday they might race as sloop with the mast in the after step, and would have a bowsprit with a jib.

[Venchka]

Now I read Art's explanation. :D

Mr. Wittholz was indeed good at it. If you look closely, the sloop mast is stepped further aft. That should be taken into account on an existing boat. Otherwise, give it a shot.

Wayne
In the Swamp. :D

[ 08-02-2005, 10:34 AM: Message edited by: Venchka ]

[JimD]

Originally posted by ahp:
In the 19th century catboat/sloops raced for big cash prizes. They had two mast steps. On Saturday they might race as a catboat with the mast in the foreward step. On Sunday they might race as sloop with the mast in the after step, and would have a bowsprit with a jib.I've also read two steps were used by fishermen to take advantage of seasonal weather.

[Venchka]

...and in Caledonia yawls too. :D

Wayne
In the Swamp. :D

[Buddy Sharpton]

Yes on my 15 foot Marsh Cat.
Yes, most catboat converted to sloop sailplans have the mast moved aft, just inside the cabin top, and a smaller main.
Yes, 19th century catboat often had two completely different rigs, summer and winter, with two mast postions built in the boat.
On my Marsh Cat, I was dealing with fairly high weather helmon broad reaches. From S, Crockers 1946 Dogwatch design, I got the idea of lengthening the existing 18" bowsprit too 36" and adding a 47 sq ft roller furling jib to the existing sailplan of 152 sq ft main which was a bit small to move the boat in light air.

Results, I like it.
I use both sails in light air. I put up with a bit of lee helm to weather.

In about 8 knots of wind, the main alone works best to weather.
The roller jib really does eliminate weather helm on reaches. If the boat is overpowered, I put in the first reef of the main.

Downwind, I use a bookhook/pole to either wing out or use as a reaching strut. He;ps to have crew aboard to do this much.

My experience.