I was reading some of the older posts and there was a discussion on adding a bowsprit. It seemed like nobody had done it yet. I was wondering if any of you have added a bowsprit, and which ones you added. Were you happy with it?
Adding a bowsprit
- Thread starter letlmt
- Start date
I installed a retractable Selden bowsprit and am very happy with it.
https://www.westmarine.com/buy/selden--asymmetric-bowsprit-kits-aluminum-gennaker-pole--P013741459
There’s a earlier thread that discusses some of the issues.
You don’t need carbon fiber.
https://www.westmarine.com/buy/selden--asymmetric-bowsprit-kits-aluminum-gennaker-pole--P013741459
There’s a earlier thread that discusses some of the issues.
You don’t need carbon fiber.
Been there, made that. Based on the 3" Selden ring, which is larger than my home shop could easily handle, I also crafted a top-down rig for the kite, which after a few mods, works quite elegantly. Was it cheaper than buying one? If you subtract the hours that would other wise be spent building something else, yes.
https://meriachee.wordpress.com/2014/06/23/sprit-city/
https://meriachee.wordpress.com/2014/06/23/sprit-city/
I installed a Selden deck-mounted retractable sprit on my CP-22. I used the smallest size that they offered. I am very pleased with the quality and performance. It is also much less costly than the Trogear, and similar types. I used my boat almost exclusively for racing, and we have really worked it pretty hard, with good results.
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jssailem
SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
- Oct 22, 2014
- 23,127
Easy enough to build your own. all I wanted/needed for my M25 was a short one, so it's not too intrusive at the dock or when trailering, but the length is up to individual needs. A chunk of aluminum tubing, a block and some home made hardware + a hole saw and courage is all I had to work with. total outlay of about $50.00 plus what I had laying around the shop.
Did you install it yourself? Why the 40, when the Trogear website says that the 25 is good for boats to 30 feet? They sent me this picture when I asked them for references, I didn't realize that it was your boat.
Jssailem
I am planning on a asymmetric spinnaker, not a code 0. I am under the impression that a bowsprit makes it much easier to use an asymmetric spinnaker because the lazy sheet will not fall in front to the boat if not kept taught.
I am planning on a asymmetric spinnaker, not a code 0. I am under the impression that a bowsprit makes it much easier to use an asymmetric spinnaker because the lazy sheet will not fall in front to the boat if not kept taught.
RussC
Nice looking bowsprit. Unfortunately I am not ready to cut a big hole in the front of my brand new boat.
Nice looking bowsprit. Unfortunately I am not ready to cut a big hole in the front of my brand new boat.
I looked at the Selden bowsprit. Doesn't it get in the way? It seems like I would trip over it, whereas the Trogrear is completely out of the way.
The reason for a bowsprit for an asymmetrical spinnaker is that it gives you room for a top down furler which allows for safer inside gybes and easy take downs (furls).
The Selden is retractable. Big help attaching furler. Just step over it.
I wouldn’t trust the flip up Trogear. You’d have to have a very strong bobstay to keep it down. Spinnakers pull hard.
I wouldn’t trust the flip up Trogear. You’d have to have a very strong bobstay to keep it down. Spinnakers pull hard.
Yes, I posted the process in this forum. I used the AS-40 due to the shape of the bow pulpit protruding far out. I initially had ordered the AS-30 but that did not give me enough clearance for the furler and the furling line to the bow pulpit attached to the spinnaker halyard.......
It's always unnerving drilling holes in any boat, new or not
. The process does put to the test the saying "measure twice, cut once" and I guarantee I measured mine somewhat more than twice before drilling . holes will need to be drilled no mater how you set up your bow sprit, but my deciding factors were (1) keeping the deck free of trip and snag hazards (2) uncluttered looks (I didn't like the look of the bolt on deck mounted ones) (3) overall strength. the through the bow method should be WAY stronger than the average deck mounted one. Individual choice for sure, but I've been very happy with my end results, and would likely do it this way again.