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The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.
I am wanting to build a bowsprit this winter for my C250WK to fly an asymmetrical spinnaker. The easy solution is the simple pole. I would like to add something a little more exciting and look like something that Gerry Douglas at Catalina would have designed to complement the boat. So (1) carbon fiber bowsprit and gelcoat to complement the body lines or (2) stainless steel tubing to tie into the pulpit lines such as the batsystem look with a grey planking to match the rub rail. (3) J105 look with the internal pole modification, minimalistic exterior modification keeping it sleek.
I am wide open to suggestions, any of these ways can be built to meet the structural concerns. FYI, I am not relocating the anchor externally, not part of the design.
Appreciate the input!
Regards, John Westlawn Institute graduate Yacht Design and Naval Architecture 04 Catalina 250 WK Standard rig w/wheel steering Yanmar 9hp diesel
If you want it to look like something Gerry Douglas would do, then see the Catalina 275. It is the batsystem you mention. To keep the anchor locker functional, this would require some modification to the locker lid. Run it down the starboard side. My rough thoughts are to cut a straight section into the lid a few inches in from the aft starboard corner. The cut off outer triangle of the lid gets secured to the deck/hull. The lid needs reinforcement and finishing along the cut edge. The sprit runs along/above the cut out area.
Another thought, but a whole lot more complicated is to put a blister along side the hull like the J92s. In my opinion this would require significantly more work and would still require modification of the anchor locker. It would also take up quite a bit of space within the cabin. I am very opposed to losing space within the cabin. I spend most weekends and an annual trip camping on my boat.
I have also included pictures I have of the deck in the mold with the interior liner in place. This will give you an idea of the structure under the deck.
Photo Credits: The C275 photo is a snapshot from Catalina's website. The J92s photos is a snapshot found from a Google search. The two C250 mold pictures were given to me by Catalina Yachts when I submitted a question.
You may find the following information of adding an inexpensive, very good looking, DIY, bowsprit to a C250 and... without adding to measured docking charges, useful
Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ. The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.