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Get familiar with the concepts involved.
The Purpose: A bobstay is a structural component of the Trogear bowsprit. It keeps the bowsprit in a horizontal position preventing it from flying upwards when under load.
Hinge Attachment: The main feature of the Trogear bowsprit is the hinge attachment, which enables the sprit to rotate up and down. To take full advantage of this design, it is recommended to rig the bobstay with a 2:1 purchase system, with a control line leading to a clutch and a winch to the cockpit. This will allow you to remotely adjust the sail luff tension or bring the bowsprit to the upright position (for stowing or attaching/removing tack sails or furler).
Loads on the Bobstay: The load generated by a Code 0 or Asymmetrical spinnaker could be very high (the load on the bobstay is generally 1.5 times the tack load), especially when reaching, or if subjected to shock loads. Therefore, the bobstay components need to be sized accordingly with a minimum safety factor of two.
Estimating Tack Loads: Click on the image below to expand.
The final set up of your rigging depends on your sailing needs but the following is a list of items that are either essential or optional.
*Dyneema Loop: Only a Dyneema loop can be used through the tack bushing. NEVER use an eye bolt.
**SAFETY PREVENTER: 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.
***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.
Set up: Depending on your preference, you may select a set up with one bowsprit or with an additional one for a dolphin striker.
Main Sprit Selection: To confirm the choice of sprit we need to know the expected maximum tack line load on the Code 0. In most cases we recommend going one size up due to the high compression loads.
Installation: Our “CAT” brackets are used to install the main bowsprit on the front of the crossbeam. Our “U” brackets can be used to install a sprit underneath as a dolphin striker.
Loads: The main bowsprit is subject to both compression and lateral loads. The dolphin striker will take only compression loads.
Crossbeam Loads: It is important to verify with the yacht manufacturer if the crossbeam can withstand the compression loads. Some crossbeams need additional reinforcement.
Dyneema Loop: Only a Dyneema loop can be used through the tack bushing. NEVER use an eye bolt.
Safety Preventer: 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.
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.
Rigging Considerations:
You can also install using a second, shorter sprit as a dolphin striker. With this set up, you do not need whiskers. The benefit of this system is to avoid any conflict with whiskers when deploying an anchor. Additionally the bobstay in this solution works better due to a better pulling angle and less flexing compared to bridle/whiskers.
Rigging Recommendations:
SS Rings or Low friction Rings:
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