Converting Marconi to Gaff Rig

[Pauls]

Hi Ben,

As I imagine you know by now, when you change the rig you need to work out the design of the new one to balance on the hull. There are a number of yacht design books that tell how to do this. An old and still used one is Skeene's Elements of Yacht Design. How to Design a Boat, I forget the author, is a simple, clear book. Dave Gerr's Nature of Boats is very useful.
Principles of Yacht Design is more technical, mostly oriented to modern boats, but a good reference.

You will need a new mast because gaff riggers have a longer length of unsupported mast than a typical marconi rig. Aluminum pipe, or thin wall steel pipe (schedule 10) is the practical solution. Aluminum pipe for gaff and boom will work well.

You can make virtually all the fittings you will need. If you make them, they will not cost much. Made by others, as Zee describes, they will be very expensive. Blocks, chainplates, tangs, etc are very practical to do yourself.

Like PAR said, you'll need a bowsprit, most likely, to balance the increased sail area aft. It will look pretty with the rest of the rig.

If you do it, good luck with your project. It will be an interesting one.

Regards, Paul