Hermann Cat Gaff Rig Conversion

[Fairwinds46]

I have a Marconi rigged 17.5 Hermann Cat. The mast has been etched at the deck line. Want to shorten mast and convert to gaff rig. Anyone have plans? Knowledgeable rigger?

[UNCIVILIZED]

You might contact the Port Townsend School of Wooden Boat Building. In addition to being real knowledgeable about boats, design, & all of their components... they have a lot of Links, reference info, core curriculum info, staff, (recurring) guest staff, & great POC's.

As an example, Paul Bieker, the America's Cup designer, amongst other things, drew this gaffer for the school, quite a number of years back. PT Dinghy

Also Brion Toss's rig shop is also only a stone's throw from the school. Also IIRC, they provide a good bit of their curriculum; stock, & specialty type (which you likely need)... for the school, & put on various classes as part of the school's program. Plus, other teachings also.
www.BrionToss.com - You could always call them direct, & or contact them via email about your project too.

Aside from there, try Wooden Boat magazine, & especially the Forums of the same name. Odds are you'll get some hits if you do some researching, as well as posting over there.

PS: Before you go cutting anything, or spend a lot of $ on anything, snag a copy of Brion's book The Rigger's Apprentice
As, if you're a quick study, & good at translating theory into physicallity, the book pretty much has enough info for a creative lad to do a conversion solo, with only minimal input from a rigger.

I'm thinking that the biggest catch which you may run into, is having a wide enough hull in order to provide a good staying base for a tall enough mast. Which leads you back to; the book, & also Paul Bieker's design. Which has a highly peaked Dutch Gaff. Ergo, such a design might allow you to get away with your wishes, & still have enough sail area with a short spar (necessitated by a narrow staying base).

- Yeah, I know, a lotta' tech talk. Thus my suggestions, including the book, which explains it all, in simple terms.

[Fairwinds46]

Thanks. Will check out WBS.