Anonymous wrote:
I’ve been re-building a 34’ Benford Badger for a number of years after acquiring it, unfinished, as what can be probably best be described as a failed project by another builder. I’m at the point where I need to get the rig figured out and looking for some advice on my options.
The rig design that came with the boat was slightly altered from stock, apparently in collaboration with Jay Benford, and has the main mast slightly forward of the default positioning. This makes room for a sliding companionway hatch and the main sail would also be larger and the fore smaller than the original sailplan.
The plan I have is light on details and was based around flat panel construction, which I have concerns about. Given the lack of specifics on the sail and mast design, and my concern about the history of the changes, I would like to do a complete redesign and engineering of the rig (and masts) from scratch.
As there are a few people who have the same design, at least some of the numbers will be floating around. However, there is some information missing.
A) As you have not obtained the masts, or even engineered them yet, Are you planning to keep them in the same position or would it be just as easy to move them back to original? (there will be more people who know the original)
B) assuming you need to keep the masts in the altered position, perhaps if you shared what details you do have: Sail area, Aspect ratio, mast height, placement, keel shape and placement, any other information you have.
C) the Badgers junk rig has generally been based on standard HM rigs. Is this the case? Can you post a picture of the new design?
The AK cambered sail plans, which have most of the math done already, have the same shape and balance (mast placement) as the HM sails. So given the AR and sail area, it should be possible to just "pick" one of his "pre-engineered" drawings by AR and scale for area. In other words, given a flat sail plan, the panels can be the same shape (outside dimensions don't change) with camber added via broad seam or barrel shaping the top and bottom. A sail maker will prefer broad seam or shelf foot as they make their product look better.
Masts are more of a problem. I would assume you have mast height and probably some more info for wood masts as the badgers are designed for wood masts. As you may have read in other posts, people who make tapered aluminum poles (generally flag poles) are generally not willing to have them used as masts. This means self engineering their flag poles to choose ones that will work for you and buying flag poles. If taper is not required, a straight mast, multipart or hybrid can be designed. If you can find similar alloys and sizes to what Arne has used, his calculations are easier to follow. There should be a metals supermarket or some such near you, find out what aluminum tube they can supply in which lengths and go from there.
I don't know if there is someone willing to give a "turn key" option though. I think there are some who would be willing to give strong hints in "here's what I would do" manner. But finding someone willing to give an engineer's stamp may be harder. There are a number of people who will make the sails for you as well, if you give them a design.
In the end, I think you will find you have to do some of the "engineering" or at least have a good understanding of other people's ideas. I don't think anyone would want to be responsible for your life at sea, in other words.
Sorry, probably not much help.
Len