bowsprit HC43 Ketch

[schapin]

Greetings all,
Ive been asked by a friend to replace his rotted out sprit. I very cautiously approach this project. I have sourced VG Doug Fir, to laminate a new log. Spruce can be had for another 50%. My first incliation is to use fir, and lots of penetrating epoxy before laminating it all together, 2x8x14s. Is there any advice, tips, thoughts out there that might save some suffering? He also has a bar for the bobstay? ... dolphin striker, which I think should be cable but... thoughts?
Also, the windlass is mounted on top of the sprit, was this typical? Other options?
Many many thanks,
Samuel

[Bill]

Samuel,

Regarding the windlass and bobstay. Our windlass is mounted above the bowsprit on it's own SS mount. No bolts run through the sprit. Our bobstay is also solid. I have seen wire stays but could not recommend for or against. In both cases we have friends with a sister ship (another 43 Ketch) that have the exact same setups.

On the thoughts of using Doug Fir, my first concern was weight but after looking at the differences between DF and Apatong (I believe this is the original wood used) you actually save weight using the DF to the tune of .83 lbs per board ft. I would still have concerns with the added weight of the penetrating epoxy and laminating epoxies and at that point what about costs vs Apatong which seems to be widely available for truck decking.

Have you given any thoughts to having a sprit made up of aluminum? Seems several years ago there was talk on the site about the benefits and weight savings. Just a thought.

[stormbay]

Our original sprit rotted out because the windlass bolted through it. When I built the new one I also made a mounting plate for the windlass that the spar can slide through. Pics are on my wife blog post . The sprit build can be found here

As for the bobstay, solid rod is usually preferred over wire because of corrosion issues (so close to the water line) and strength.

[mimoza]

Tom Friend recently tackled this along with a complete deck refit.
He summarizes in the following thread. As far as the sprit is concerned, he has this to say,
"The new bowsprit is made of laminated Sapele, which I hand-picked for straight tight grain."
The pics are pretty. I think he did the lamination himself. He has a great shop.

viewtopic.php?f=6&t=4545

[schapin]

So many thanks for the replies! After much pushing and shoving the old sprit lies ignobly in the back of the van. Rot throughout with bits of bondo... really bondo?
I will suggest a different mount for the windlass, the sprit was nearly hollow beneath the windlass. And from the looks is, or was, mahogany.
I very much like the drilling jig idea, and the bit of jackfruit warms the heart as we are actually on Kauai. Point taken on the bobstay, I will not urge it's replacement but will suggest a rigger inspect all stainless fittings. Rigging is not my circus.
I was amused to see the bow rise 3" after all the removal, and would go for spruce myself but not my call.... I well appreciate cost/value considerations.
After a quick trip east Ill get back home and begin the build. Pictures and pain to follow as time allows.
Thanks again,
Samuel