Com-Pac Yacht Owners Association

General Com-Pac and Sailing Related Discussions => Com-Pac Sailors Lounge => Topic started by: Lost Lake on January 09, 2008, 11:17:40 PM

Title: Can I make a bowsprit?
Post by: Lost Lake on January 09, 2008, 11:17:40 PM
I'm pretty handy, and would do it for the pride, but I need a detail of how they look, where they fasten. Is there a cut sheet on the ComPac website or does someone have an installation sheet they could scan? (For a CP19)

Thanks!
Title: Re: Can I make a bowsprit?
Post by: Bob23 on January 10, 2008, 05:18:10 PM
LL:
   My 23 has a stainless frame that attaches to the hull/deck joint. This dictates the shape of the wood bowsprit. I would imagine Compac would sell you everything you need or just the stainless parts.
   Bob23

Title: Re: Can I make a bowsprit?
Post by: curtisv on January 13, 2008, 02:13:28 PM
LL,

A while back someone posted photos on the yahoo group web site of a CP19 with a wooden bowsprit.  It was a varnished post with a small amount of ornamentation and a bobstay but it sure looked good.  Not sure what type of wood was used but you should be able to get cedar or douglas fir a lot cheper than teak or mahoganny.

The stock bowprit is a stainless steel frame that bolts to the deck above the rubrail.  The simple wire bobstay is essential to keep the forstay from ripping the bowsprit up and off.  Likewise the forstay keeps the anchor or mooring pendant from ripping the bowsprit down and off (so don't anchor or moor a boat using the bow roller without the mast up).

If you do go with a wooden bowsprit don't rely on the strength of the deck ot hold it down.  Be sure to include a bobstay.

Curtis
Title: Re: Can I make a bowsprit?
Post by: Lost Lake on January 17, 2008, 10:20:24 PM
I was thinking of something more rigid for the down force required; perhaps a stainless brace. Somethig that will support the bowsprit when the forstay is not connected...
Title: Re: Can I make a bowsprit?
Post by: curtisv on January 28, 2008, 11:38:35 PM
Quote from: Lost Lake on January 17, 2008, 10:20:24 PM
I was thinking of something more rigid for the down force required; perhaps a stainless brace. Somethig that will support the bowsprit when the forstay is not connected...

LL,

Don't anchor with the mast down.  The force on the bowsprit is a lot when taking a wave at anchor.  The bowsprit acts like a lever like a can opener if the forestay is not holding it back.

Curtis