Adding Roller Furler on Small Bowsprit

[Nikos Baillie]

G'day. I'm modifying my ketch for better light weather sailing. She's a triple diagonal planked 8000kg, 36ft ketch. (should have picture below). I much prefer not using the engine unless no wind at all so am adding a small bowsprit, 2-3ft, with a large (even oversized) light weight (under 12knot) roller furled head sail. The furler would be attached at the same point at the mast head as one of the current current twin forstays, the other which will still carry it's current self tacking jib. I will therefor have to furl the new roller head sail in order to tack or gybe which I consider acceptable. The reason to keep the bowsprit so short is to avoid needing whiskers or a bobstay. I'm interested in a discussion on how best to do this . At the moment I have twin for stays so to make it simple I am thinking of removing one and using it's attachment point on the mast head to attach the roller furler. I'm also hoping I can avoid replacing the Forstays chain plate by building the bowsprit around it. (does that make sense?). If necessary I will have a steel frame which raps around the chain plate in the shape of a wish bone or tuning fork, and will glue and bolt on the wooden bowsprit to keep with the classic look of the boat. I'll start with that and see if people take interest in a discussion.

[Nikos Baillie]

Photos