Crab Claw Rig

[Jeff_H]

This is probably the best image of a crabclaw sailplan that I was able to find on line.

http://proafile.com/view/weblog/comm...ons_crab_claw/

Jeff

[KeelHaulin]

Here's a nice one...

http://www.latitude38.com/lectronic/...ayid=13#Story3

More here:

http://www.latitude38.com/lectronic/...ayid=30#Story5

[CapnHand]

Originally Posted by JohnRPollard

I forgot to mention that CLC has plans available ($69) for a plywood proa. It's not a crab claw rig, but I've seen this one in person and it's a fascinating little boat:

http://www.clcboats.com/boats/pacificproa.php

The wing masts are quite interesting, probably expensive too. Are they composite, aluminum, any idea?

This crab claw catamaran has a similar rig to the Flying Lateen.

[JohnRPollard]

Originally Posted by CapnHand

The wing masts are quite interesting, probably expensive too. Are they composite, aluminum, any idea?

I don't know the answer. I saw the prototype when the hull and outrigger were nearing completion back in '99 or Y2K. No rig at that time. My guess is that they were formed from plywood-epoxy composite construction -- as is almost everything CLC does. I note their website states the following:

"The unstayed schooner rig was chosen for easy handling. The prototype’s wing masts permit awesome speeds, but they were tricky and expensive to build and require a highly skilled and athletic crew. The hollow, tapered masts shown in the drawings will offer exhilarating speeds without compromising Mbuli’s beachcruising style and were used on a second boat built from the plans."

[CapnHand]

John,

I found the answer in a link to WoodenBoat Magazine. You were right on!

[CapnHand]

Proas! I haven't been able to stop thinking about them since I first read this thread.

Gary Dierking's site has some very simple yet elegant designs.

[JohnRPollard]

Yeah, they are fascinating and probably would be fun to fiddle with. But I have lingering doubts about the practicality of proas for the average sailor. That is a neat website, though.

On a note related to the OP's Crab Claw rig inquirey, you might take a look here: http://www.shellboats.com/ ;

and, specifically, here: http://www.shellboats.com/sbcrabclawcat.html

Also, there is a nice little article in the Dec. 1, 2007 issue of Messing About In Boats (p.28) in which that CrabClawCat figures prominently.