Ketch or sloop.

Looking at my old ketch the main mast looks to be in about the same position as sloops I have looked at . If one day I decide to remove the mizzen to make more room in the cockpit can a new mainsail be made with extra area to replace the mizzen sail or will it throw the rig out of balance. Just a thought. More than likely I will leave as is. P.s Can anyone suggest a really good book I could buy that that explains the theory of sail propulsion . A lot of the talk about sails on these forums goes over my head.

 

The books on sail dynamics will also be over your head, though a reasonable primer might be Ted Brewer's "Understanding Yacht Design".

Actually, that ketch looks to be typically proportioned, so the main is a bit forward of a typical sloop. You could lengthen the boom and have a new main cut, but this is quite an expense, just to find out you need to move the mast a little. I prefer the ketch over a sloop on a cruiser, as you have more options. It's also handy to rig a hammock between the sticks or a tent.

To directly answer you, if your boat has a full keel, like I suspect, the balance will be out as a sloop, but it will not mater all that much, other than the lose of a significant amount of area in the mizzen and any mules you might fly. In light air, she might go lee on 'ya, but she'd still sail pretty well.

 

Thanks paul. Good advice as always. I will look up the ted brewer book. I don't want anything to heavy . Just the basics .

 

Nice looking boat as is I think. Lots of character.

 

Yeah, she's not bad, though I'd like to do a few things about the boxy cabin structure and the small ports. Maybe painting the perimeter trim on the house a dark color would decrease it's visual impact a bit.

 

What specifically are you looking for in the way of more room in the cabin? Are you interested in a table for dinner, or for seating more people, or being able to see everyone with the mast in the way?

 

It was more to do with the cockpit jamie. Its pretty busy there with all the rigging although today I raised the boom up a lot higher and that made it a lot better to move around . If I was to change the rig it would be a long way down the track. I have a lot of work to finish just to make it useable at the moment. The cabin will be getting a new color after I epoxy sheath it. I was thinking blue or gray.

 

I hope you are still able to take it out as you are working on it. That's what I want to do with our Yngling. Best thinking is done while sailing, and small jobs can be done along the way also, even while under sail. You will be sure to pick out the right colour if you do it while at anchor at sunset after a pleasant sail.

Raising the mizzen boom sound like a good fix for now. You might even be able to remove the boom and stow it on the foredeck while working around the cockpit. It might sail ok with just the main and a small staysail if there is enough breeze and you are not in a hurry. Enjoy working on her. Looks like a labour of love.

How many different sails does she have to work with?

 

Once I finish repairing the hole I burn't in the side I can sail it while I do the rest of the work. I have the 4 sails in the pic plus a spare set with a large hank on genny. No spinnaker but it does have the pole and halyard so I just need to find one for the right price.

 

Good idea to raise the mizzen boom up whilst not in use, I can see you relaxing at anchor sipping a cool beverage under the shade of an awning fitted to that boom a seat fitted to the pushpit would complement also, maybe a mizzen mounted cocktail table also.
I can understand the wish to simplify but definitely try a few sail combos out, the staysail & mizzen might be a great mix once the breeze gets up. My Dad had a Pugh "Saraband" ketch, sailed better without the mizzen & it got taken off, lost a good extra hand hold & awning mount.

Jeff

 

Thanks jeff. I will definitely be doing a lot of sailing as is before I would consider changing it. Once I get used to it I might not want to change it at all. Sitting back under an awning with a boags premium on a hot day sounds pretty good while I am sitting here covered with a blanket atm.

 

AAHHH Victoria,...... rainy one day.... cloudy the next Maybe you can replace the mizzen with a chiminia..
J.

 

Yesterday I was working in a t shirt. Bloody cool today though.

 

I'd keep the mizzen but put it to good use.
Get hold of a mizzen staysail for lighter air. It's an easy sail to handle and worthwhile setting.
Also I prefer an MPS to a spinnaker on a ketch just not such a direct downwind run. Your SOG will be similar flying both the MPS and the mizzen staysail and you'll get a good steadying effect at sea. If you can make the fwd staysail self tacking you simplify life too.

Your ketch is prettier than my ketch which is a bit more industrial.

 

Thanks mike. I have read a lot of good comments on mizzen staysails. I will be getting one.