FAQs

Some common questions and answers.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you still have questions – contact us!

General Questions

The Trogear Bowsprit is an ideal aftermarket bowsprit solution for your sailboat, and facilitates flying Asymmetrical Spinnakers and Code 0s. Consider the following:
  • ADJUSTABLE: Vertically adjustable from the cockpit for a better sail trim. Code 0 luff tension is easily adjustable from the cockpit.
  • Jibe in a matter of seconds rather than minutes.
  • Below deck hinge mount OR deck or anchor roller hinge mount
  • Easily removable. Quick release pins or bolts.
  • Can be stowed in an upright position when not in use. No need to worry about paying extra fees at your marina!
  • 100% carbon fiber frame with no CF to metal bonds.

Depending on your level of technical skill and overall comfort, you can definitely install the Trogear Bowsprit yourself. It is not a difficult process, but it does require careful measurements to insure the best fit.

If in doubt at all, contact us or consult your rigger.

Yes. Remove the bolts, and slide out the shaft.

We also have a quick release upgrade option on most models for faster removal.

As with other sailing hardware, it is recommended to inspect all the bowsprit parts for damage such as cracks, corrosion, chaffing and loose attachments and correct it before use.

After each use, flush with fresh water, and disassemble, for thorough cleaning, inspection lubrication of moving parts at least once a year or more frequently if used often and in stronger winds and sea state.

For added protection from harmful UV rays consider using a UV protectant such as 303 Marine & Recreation Aerospace Protectant

Selecting a Bowsprit

See our section on “Selecting a Bowsprit.” If you do not find answers, then DOWNLOAD our questionnaire and send back the answers with some good photos. We are happy to assist.

The Trogear Bowsprit is for For Monohulls, Catamarans or Trimarans and is suitable for boats 20-70ft. See our Spec/comparison table for specifics of each model. In some cases a semi custom size is needed. We work with you to determine the best size and install method though in some cases our design may not be the best fit for your needs.

In general. longer is better for speed downwind sailing and for inside jibing, but you need to consider your rating as well.

To fly a Code 0 a long bowsprit is not necessary. The length can impact your rating, so it is best to talk with your sailmaker.

See our list of adopters and photo gallery.

In some cases we may have a mock up for your yacht already, so please contact us.

See our Spec/comparison table for an approximate extension for each standard model.

Keep in mind, however, that the exact extension depends on the installation method and install point.

Yes, we can. In most cases this requires shortening one of our standard sprits and we have done this for several customers already. We will work with you to ensure your requirements are met if possible.

There is an additional fee for this process.

Absolutely! We work with you throughout the selection process to be sure your install will be successful. We can even create a mockup drawing if needed.

“Trogear was fantastic to work with, meeting our specific needs in a responsive and thorough manner. Together we were able to come up with a solution that fit the boat and the engineering demands.”
~Justin Bonar, YYZ – Jeanneau 53

Pre and post Sales

Yes. We are happy to assist in the selection and can sell directly.

However, we may refer you to to a reseller when time to purchase, if not before.

Yes. We provide trade terms to marine professionals. Please inquire.

Yes. The care needed is the same as for any other carbon fiber product, which even with the best UV protection will weather over time.

Some of our customers have chosen to sand and paint their sprit with custom colors and then clear coat it.

Your options:

  1. Sand any bad areas and re-coat with an automotive grade 2-part polyurethane UV clear coat
  2. Sand the entire sprit to remove the remaining clear coat and then either paint it or re coat it, using automotive grade paints or 2-part polyurethane UV clear coat.

More info: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Automotive_paint

Absolutely. We are happy to assist at any time and according to what is possible.

RIGGING

Simply put, it keeps the sprit from flying upwards when under load generated by flying sails or anti torque line.

The Trogear bowsprit is designed to be used in a horizontal position, same as for any other bowsprit. The loads generated by flying sails (Code 0, Asymmetric spinnakers, or other downwind sails) will create a force upwards. The bowsprit must be held securely in a horizontal position by a bobstay to prevent it from swinging up.

WARNING: Never fully release the bobstay when under load. If it is accidentally released, it could lead to personal injury, boat and/or equipment damage, or the failure of the bowsprit itself.

  • We recommend using bungee cords attached to the bowsprit tubes and to the pulpit. The tension of the bungee cord will bring the sprit up when the bobstay is released.
  • When sails are deployed, the sail keeps it up. The bosbstay keeps the sprit tensioned down
  • The preventer from Dyneema is a safety feature and will not let the sprit drop past a certain safe angle (as we explain in our rigging) and keeps the sprit from dropping down and potentially breaking if the sail falls to the water for example.

 

Warning: NEVER fully release the bobstay when under load.

Yes. The simplest way to rig your bowsprit is with a fixed length bobstay. In this case, simply attach one end to the point of attachment on the bow, and the other end through the bushing at the tip of the bowsprit terminated with an SS attachment ring. With this configuration, you would not be able to adjust the height of the bowsprit or stow the sprit upright.

A bobstay control line is simply led through a clutch to a winch in the cockpit, similar to a tack line.

WARNING: Never fully release the bobstay when under load. If it is accidentally released, it could lead to personal injury, boat and/or equipment damage, or the failure of the bowsprit itself.

You can make your own loop from Dyneema line which any marine hardware store will have.

Here is a video showing how to make it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QSyLAO92iHs

We use a stainless steel ring on the top. Once the bobstay is under tension via tightening the luff or anti-torque line, tension is automatically placed on the bobstay, pulling the SS ring against the sprit tack bushing which prevents twisting. Our bushings also have two grooves that the ring sits in.

As with any sprit, when you furl or unfurl the Code 0 or furling gennaker you need to tighten the luff / anti-torque rope. With a fixed sprit a halyard or tack line  is used to tighten the luff. With our sprit you can also use the adjustable bobstay to tighten the luff.

We have personally been using this set up for years with no issue. 

We are always available for questions, though a rigger might be better positioned to assist with your specific needs. 

Catamarans

Some crossbeams need additional reinforcement.

It is important to verify with the yacht manufacturer if the crossbeam can withstand the compression loads. 

Yes. A smaller sprit can be used for this purpose. Usually it is installed underneath using our “U” brackets.

Visit the rigging section for more information about the set up and rigging.

That depends on your desired set up. 

Visit the Rigging section for more suggestions

safety considerations

Only a Dyneema loop can be used through the tack bushing. NEVER use an eye bolt.

The preventer MUST be used and should be made from Dyneema and attached to the headstay toggle and the lower friction ring at the tip of the Bowsprit.

The length of the Dyneema should be such that the sprit does not drop past ~20deg of horizontal when under tension. Think of it as an inverted bobstay or a topping lift on a spinnaker pole.

It is a preferred method of preventing the bowsprit from going down too far, important in the event the sail drops to the water.

Never fully release the bobstay when under load. If it is accidentally released, it could lead to personal injury, boat and/or equipment damage, or the failure of the bowsprit itself.

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