Anonymous wrote:
Hello Jacob, they say that any boat can be converted to junk rig, but there are many considerations within that statement. In most cases the mast of a junk rig yacht will need to be a lot further forward than the current bermudan rig mast, So that brings considerations of how the new mast location will impact on the interior of the yacht, whether there will be sufficient 'bury' for the new mast, and what strengthening of the cabin top or foredeck is going to be required for the mast partners.
Another consideration is size of boat and whether it will be a one sail, or two sail junk rig. If the sail area is to be over 55 sqm then there is a good chance it may need to be two sail junk rig, so that is also a consideration for mast placement.
Because the three yachts you have mentioned are known production designs a good place to start would be to obtain whatever plan details you can get hold of for these boats, but especially current sail plans and also underwater profiles. Then using the information found in the book Practical Junk Rig, you could start drawing up some preliminary sail plans just to see what might work.
Some people have found a split junk rig to be a good option for converting a bermudan rig to junk. That type of rig is not covered in Practical Junk Rig but you will find some information through this the JRA.
There are other practical considerations such as who is going to do the work, where can you get a suitable mast, who is going to make the sail, and what is going to be the cost above the purchase cost of the boat and is it affordable.
But for a lot of older yachts which might have tired rigs conversion to a junk rig is a sensible direction to go. Plus you will get a simple rig which can make sailing more enjoyable. Good luck with your project.
Hi David, thank you for your wise words!!
I have assumed that boats of this size around 35ft and fiarly volumous would require a two mast rig. So one up in the bow which could encroach on the V-berth hence why I would like a walkthrough aft cabin. I am toying with the idea of converting the V-berth into a snug with a sofa and TV rather than the usual odd shaped bed...
That leaves the location of the aft mast/centre cockpit arrangement being a possible snagging point. I think your advice on trying to get plans of the boats and even doing a rough plan of the rig rather than a full design could help to aleviate my concerns.
I plan to get a boat fairly soon, sell my house and liveaboard then before I retire in the next 10-15 years do the junk conversion and other works required for casting off the lines for good. That way I can spread the costs, save the required money, set up the boat how I want it and know the boat intimatly before voyaging.