I thought I'd share my latest project with you all. I'm the kind of guy who always launches from the trailer, and rarely wants to spend my time for setup and break down.

I have built a retractable bow spirit for a Hooter sail I have added to my 5.0.(see attachment). The idea behind this is multi-fold.
1. I wanted a pole that could be mounted while the boat is on the trailer.
2. I wanted the sail to be at least hoisted, if not completely furled while the boat is on the trailer.
3. Minimize the setup time.

As a bonus, during the pre-loading process of setting up the pole, the struts push outward on the hulls while the end-pole ropes pull at an angle inward. This results in an negligable force on the overall hulls, only the very front 2ft affected. When the sail is loaded this will help by virtually eliminating mid pole movement that ropes and wire setups have.
Once the boat is off the trailer, I simply extend the pole, pin it, preload it, and tighten the already-hoisted Hooter's halyard.

It may be a few added lbs but I think its worth it.
I'll be finishing the strut system by powder coating everything soon.

-Jeff

I would be concerned that the rigid struts would be detrimental as the bows usually flex in relation to one another. I could see one strut being shoved into a hull. How long have you used this system, it looks like a nice setup!

Clayton

There is a certain amount of flex that these struts have, they are designed to make the pole rigid but the hull movement will only move the pole, not the other way around. I can take the system off and can move the struts a goot 3-4 inches in and out. In fact I could have made the connection to the pole sleave with hinges, but I get enough movement out of the bolts.

-Jeff

looks realy nice!!!, what is the extra weight? [comp. to "traditional set up]?

I'll weight the parts, I still have soem trimmig to do prior to the powder coating so I guess maybe 2-3lbs total for the stainless sleaves and the aluminum struts.

"sprit," not spirit

That starboard hull sure looks nice! <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Looks like you're about ready for the hooter, it came out nice! Let me know when you're ready for some tonnage to help keep her sunny side up... <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Well Scot, I pulled a muscle in my upper back KAYAKING! I've been trying to take in easy, I'll hopefully be back on the water with the new hooter this weekend. I have taken it out in my lake, and this thing moves on a whisper now, its great, but it sure is a HUGE sail.

Did you get the 16 yet?

Sounds like you need to get to the gym ASAP! LOL. Ibuprofen is your friend. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Any pics with the hooter up? I think we'd all love to see pics. I can't wait to 'feel' how she goes...

I picked up the 16 on Sunday. I took her out for the first time yesterday (I only had to step the mast twice, LOL). Overall the boat is in great shape for her age, but she does need a new tramp ASAP and some of the running rigging replaced as well.

It looks like the weather is going to keep me tied-up this weekend, but I should be available the following weekend if you need some crew (weight).

Hope you feel better soon...

How do you powder coat the poles?

My Tiger dismasted today and it would have been handy to keep my endpole snuffer out of the water with your setup.