Sloop vs Ketch vs Cutter Rigs

[Joel]

From a practical perspective, what are the relative advantages and disadvantages of the various types of rigs available on Cape Dories? Does a ketch allow for more sail to be flown compared to the sloop? Clearly it changes the geometry, i.e. management of the center of effort in varying wind conditions is different. I'd read here that ketches are often sailed as sloops, that is that the mizzen sail (?) is not raised either out of laziness or it's not needed.

I'm looking into my next boat and seek opinions. With this bunch, there's no dearth of those! Thanks.

Joel
Pokey II (still for sale)
'73 Ty #549
Bayside, NY



bondy_joelNOSPAM@hotmail.com

[Neil Gordon]

>>From a practical perspective, what are the relative advantages and disadvantages of the various types of rigs available on Cape Dories?<<

Sloops are uncomplicated and so are relatively easier to sail. Only two sails to trim, etc.

>>Does a ketch allow for more sail to be flown compared to the sloop?<<

The idea is not more sail, but dividing up the sail area so that it's more managable.

>>Clearly it changes the geometry, i.e. management of the center of effort in varying wind conditions is different.<<

Cutters and ketches have an advantage over sloops. As sail is reduced, the center of effort stays more or less put. On a sloop, it moves forward. One advantage of the cutter over the ketch is that you don't have a mast poking through the cockpit.

>>I'd read here that ketches are often sailed as sloops, that is that the mizzen sail (?) is not raised either out of laziness or it's not needed.<<

I'd vote for lazy. The boat's rig is a basic design feature.


Regards, Neil
s/v LIQUIDITY
Cape Dory 28 #167



neil@nrgordon.com

[Jim Lewis]

>>From a practical perspective, what are the relative advantages and disadvantages of the various types of rigs available on Cape Dories?<<

Sloops are uncomplicated and so are relatively easier to sail. Only two sails to trim, etc.

>>Does a ketch allow for more sail to be flown compared to the sloop?<<

The idea is not more sail, but dividing up the sail area so that it's more managable.

>>Clearly it changes the geometry, i.e. management of the center of effort in varying wind conditions is different.<<

Cutters and ketches have an advantage over sloops. As sail is reduced, the center of effort stays more or less put. On a sloop, it moves forward. One advantage of the cutter over the ketch is that you don't have a mast poking through the cockpit.

>>I'd read here that ketches are often sailed as sloops, that is that the mizzen sail (?) is not raised either out of laziness or it's not needed.<<

I'd vote for lazy. The boat's rig is a basic design feature.


Regards, Neil
s/v LIQUIDITY
Cape Dory 28 #167

The mizzen has little effect close hauled, that may be what you see.

[Steve Alarcon]

Joel,

Aside from sailing characteristics, multiple masts means more $ when re-rigging, more $ when replacing running rigging, and more to fiddle with while sailing. Personally, I think the cutter rig is a good halfway point between the two.

Steve Alarcon
CD36 Tenacity
Seattle



alarcon3@prodigy.net

[Neil Gordon]

>>The mizzen has little effect close hauled, ...<<

Why is that?


Regards, Neil
s/v LIQUIDITY
Cape Dory 28 #167



neil@nrgordon.com