I am wondering if it’s possible to add a bowsprit so that I could have both my jib and Genoa on roller reefs as a permanent feature.
My reason for this is sailing single handed I would be able to choose which sail to use without leaving the cockpit
Im having a new main made at the moment and thought I would replace the standing rigging at the same time and if it were possible to have both foresails rigged this would be the chance to do it
Your comments would be appreciated
John
ASHANTI 2008M
Hi John
There's quite a bit on the USA MacGregorSailors forum about bowsprits. Especially a modded M belonging to an ex-pat Scot who calls himself "Highlander". He made a similar mod to a 19 many years ago, when I was first interested in Macs, then he bought a new M and did it all again!
The main thread is here, there's probably more if you search for "bowsprit".
Rick Jones (Treasurer), former 26X & 19 owner, Isle of Wight
It should also be noted, respectfully, that Highlander is insane.
David Claassen
"Logan's Run"
2006 26M
Probably true 😊
Rick Jones (Treasurer), former 26X & 19 owner, Isle of Wight
I’m in good company then !!
Check this out....I think he has actually added another furler after this video was taken...
I don't EVER want to be that consistantly heeled over....:o
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n4fjmyDF4 4
David Claassen
"Logan's Run"
2006 26M
I agree 0 -15 degrees is supposed to be the optimum heel I think .
Rather than a bowsprit I am wondering if an M could have 2 CDI rollers on separate forestry’s without a bowsprit ?
Would the problem be sheets ?
To secure the two forestays I was thinking of a s/st plate or channel welded to the existing bow fitting at right angles to it giving space for the 2 rollers.
i have not had a look at the actual fitting as ASHANT is all sheeted up for the winter in a yard and not immediately access able
If this were possible it would give the added insurance of an extra forestay
John
ASHANTI 2008M
Hi John
Interesting idea, but you wouldn't be able to have two furlers side by side with the sheets hooked up to both. Try drawing a diagram - you'll see what happens! Plus you'd also need to have two attachments at the mast, which I can't even visualise, and don't even think about mast rotation. I'm also not sure how the off-centre loading would affect sailing.
They really need to be in a fore-aft orientation, which also means the forward one would need to be rigged to the mast head. This implies a larger sail, but I suppose it would still work even if the sail didn't go to the top of the stay. One thing leads to another.
My furler arrangement, using a Plastimo 406, allows me to change sails on the furler easily (much more easily than a CDI), but I choose which sail before I go out. I fit the jib only if persistently strong wind is forecast, otherwise i use the genoa, and if the wind blows up too high simply part furl it. It's not as efficient as a jib in that configuration, but a lot easier than messing with two sails.
Rick Jones (Treasurer), former 26X & 19 owner, Isle of Wight
Nothing wrong with adding a bowsprit. Bluewater yachts did it in discussion with Macgregor. The bowsprit wont make it heel more, only having too much sail up for the conditions does that, though the extra weight and windage of a furled sail will make a difference, perhaps that is what you are concerned about. It may not track so well with a sail further forwards but then if its intended more for running and light conditions possibly not a problem.
If I had the money I'd consider a removable short bowsprit and top down furling genoa/genaker raising them at the begining of a day when the weather was appropriate.
Dreaming is great!!
Jonathan
Mist 2005M
I think the most practical application is to do as Jonathan says...install a top-down furler on a short bowsprit and use that with my asymmetrical. I, however, run the opposite configuration most often. I use a jib, and would only even consider a genoa in light winds, but even in that case I would still rather use the kite if moving downwind.
Just my opinon...
David
David Claassen
"Logan's Run"
2006 26M
I had a spinnaker with snuffer on my previous X, which I rigged from masthead to the anchor roller. I thought I would be able to keep it like that and swap between jib and spinnaker, but in practice the whole spinnaker in its sock just buffeted like mad in even the lightest winds. It didn't matter how tight I pulled it, it was too violent to be left like that for any length of time.
I therefore had to hoist it when needed, which meant it didn't get as much use as it should have done.
Just my experience ...
Rick Jones (Treasurer), former 26X & 19 owner, Isle of Wight
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