Rigging Overview

Get familiar with the concepts involved.

Rigging Your Yacht

Ultimately the set up depends on your needs. With that in mind the overall concepts and requirements are presented for either your monohull or catamaran.

Monohulls

Overview and Rigging Example

750 700 farr50 ATLAS
Farr 50 | Trogear ATLAS -

Bobstay Overview

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.

Rigging Components

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.

Trogear Monohull rigging
Sample Rigging Diagram

Catamarans

Set up with one sprit or two (smaller sprit as a dolphin striker)

750 700 Leopard44 Whiskers
Leopard 44 | Trogear AS-40 -

Overview

Following are our recommendations but the ultimate set up, including rigging, depends on individual preferences and boat model. Always check with your rigger.

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.

Safety Considerations

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.

Bowsprit without Dolphin Striker

Rigging Considerations:

  • Fixed length bridle (yellow) from port to starboard pad eyes with friction ring (1) freely sliding – this will help to center the load on the sprit.
  • Bridle length: the tip of the bowsprit when about 20 degrees below horizontal position, should just touch tensioned bridle.
  • The bowsprit will have a strop with friction ring (2) on the bottom and loop or ring on the top for the Furler or tack attachment.
  • Between these two friction rings will be tackle 2:1 (Red) which is led aft to a clutch or cleat for bowsprit tip position adjustment.

 

Cat Rigging Single Spritpng
- Leopard 44
750 700 catamaran dolphinstriker
- Leopard 44 | Trogear AS-50 & AS-25

Set up with Dolphin Striker

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:

  • The line connecting the sprit with dolphin striker needs to be fixed length (equivalent of fixed bobstay)
  • Another line from dolphin striker leading aft to the clutch, cleat, etc. could be either fixed or adjustable – it depends on the rigger and customer needs.
  • The angle of the bobstay and the line leading aft to the short bridle with the dolphin striker should be equal if possible (think of it as spreader on the mast and shrouds)

 

SS Rings or Low friction Rings:

  • On the top of the main bowsprit you could use an SS ring.
  • The fixed-length Dyneema goes to the dolphin striker from the main bowsprit.
  • On the forward side of the dolphin striker you could also use an SS ring
  • On the aft side of the dolphin striker you could use a low friction ring or SS ring to connect the aft control line to a clutch or cleat.
  • If it is a 2:1 purchase use a low friction ring.

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