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Lateen and Daggerboard

PostPosted: Fri Apr 14, 2023 11:39 pm
by LemonShark
Hello!

Starting a Pocketship build in Kentucky and had a few modifications that I would welcome any feedback on:

1. What about a lateen rig? Much of my experience sailing has been with Snarks and I like the simplicity of the lateen. No stays, no chainplates, simple rigging and unrigging. I have seen some lateen modifications on West Wight Potter 15s.
2. What about a daggerboard instead of a pivoting centerboard? I have also sailed an Oday DS II and the centerboard got stuck constantly. When it did free up it would slam into the hull. I built a Skerry from CLC plans a few years ago and the simplicity of the daggerboard in operation and construction really impressed me. Easier to build, easier to replace and easier to see if any damage or leaking is occurring in the trunk. You could even have different daggerboards of different lengths ready for where you are sailing that day, the depth and conditions.

I appreciate any thoughts.

Re: Lateen and Daggerboard

PostPosted: Sat Apr 15, 2023 7:55 am
by Bflat
For a free standing mast I'd think a tabernacle would be out of the question. It seems to me the mast would have to go through the deck to a mast step. With that comes a mast boot to keep the water out. It's perhaps, trading one set of problems for another. Just my "two cents."

As for a daggerboard, it would divide the companionway when the board is up (like when running before the wind) making getting in and out of the cabin a tight fit. Again, just my opinion.

After 6 seasons, my centerboard has never been stuck (knock on wood).

Bob

Re: Lateen and Daggerboard

PostPosted: Tue Apr 18, 2023 8:13 am
by LemonShark
I appreciate your thoughts on it.

Re: Lateen and Daggerboard

PostPosted: Tue Apr 18, 2023 10:43 am
by Bflat
I took a look at the lateen mod on the West Wight Potter. I see they use an aluminum mast that drops into an aluminum tube through the deck. That arrangement would keep the water out, so maybe it's more do-able than I first imagined. For myself, I'm thoroughly satisfied with the rig as designed. The tabernacle and boom gallows make mast raising and transporting, a charm. The sail on a track makes raising, reefing, and dousing a breeze.

Bob

Re: Lateen and Daggerboard

PostPosted: Tue Apr 18, 2023 5:34 pm
by slash2
A daggerboard works well on a dinghy since the mass is relatively small so it’s usually not a major problem if you run aground. But on a Pocketship it could be catastrophic.