ketch

supersalty · #1 (**permalink**) 06-04-2007

Looking for advice on converting a sloop or cutter to an unstayed ketch rig.

sailingdog · #2 (**permalink**) 06-04-2007

Good luck with that... you really need to consult with a marine architect about doing something so drastic.

The mast is generally a bit too far aft on most sloops and cutters, as compared to a ketch, and the loads an unstayed mast has to resist are generally far higher than those imposed on a stayed mast... since the stays take up much of the loads. Also, the mizzen mast doesn't have the proper support structures in place on most sloops or cutters, and would require some serious re-engineering of the boat.

T37Chef · #3 (**permalink**) 06-04-2007

Seriously? I don't get it...why????????

Just sell it and get one rigged the way you want?

sailingdog · #4 (**permalink**) 06-04-2007

It will probably cost more than the boat is worth to re-rig it as an unstayed ketch, since you will have to buy the mizzen spar and do all the re-fitting of the deck/hull to support the two new masts.

Sailormann · #5 (**permalink**) 06-04-2007

If you don't do it properly - which means re-engineering the sail plan, which means you'll need to determine the exact center of gravity of the boat and work from there - your boat will be worth very little if you ever want to sell her. Even if it is beautifully done, if you are sailing a known marque and it has been altered that drastically, it's going to be more difficult to market.