clothespin scarf

[Lee Winstone]

Hi Ian, thankyou for your comprehensive instructions on scarfing. I certainly have more confidence in tackling the project now. One thing I probably should have mentioned is that on my Tahiti Ketch the original main mast was keel stepped. The previous owner converted it to deck stepped with a galv pipe compression post to keel. There are no backstays, fixed or running (gaff rig). The aft shrouds are only about a foot back from heel of mast which concerns me. With jib, staysail and main hoisted in a following sea I am always worried that mast may fall forward with all that pressure due to the very slight angle of the rear shrouds. I have heard that if they are positioned any further aft they will interfere with the gaff when running. This is one of the reasons that I wish to scarf extra length onto mast to return it to original design of keel stepped mast. In your experience, do you think deck stepped mast without backstays is a reasonable rig for gaff? I still need to scarf mast as I wish to run cutter rig and need the extra length for jib and extended bowsprit. Your input would be greatly appreciated. Kind regards Lee.