Gaff Boom Stiffeners

[Wrinklybear]

I am shaping a long gaff boom spar and the plan calls for additional side bar stiffeners. However, only the outside dimensions of these are noted and I need to save some weight.

Does anyone have any theories about how much contact is needed between the sidebar and the boom to ensure stiffness? Do I need to cut holes for tackle cordage only, or can I expand the cut away parts next to the boom leaving only occasional contact w the boom itself?

[Ian McColgin]

Ahoy,

Gaff boom spar pretty much covers it: Two specifics and a generic. In rigs such as my catboat Marmalade - Ted Brewer's Chappequiddick 25 - the boom has stiffeners with holes only for the strops for the sheet blocks and various lifts. I think that lots of contact between the stiffeners and the boom is needed to evenly distribute the considerable strains such a rig can have. Even in really lightened T beam construction, one generally sees a web of round holes rather than long gaps.

G'luck

[Wrinklybear]

Ian :

Thx for yr note...I will restrict myself to single holes for the tackle. Appreciate the advice.

Bear.