Junk rigged?

[Ixneigh]

I have a keel boat pal who’s latest infatuation is the junk rig. This gentleman has two boats, hasnt sailed either in years, and is now convinced this rig will solve all his complaints. There are examples of boats converted from Marconi to junk rig. How do you suppose the junk rig would work on the power sailor Mac’s? It’s mostly an off the wind rig and the power sailors love that tack. You don’t need a jib, stays, and reefing can be done very easily. (From what ive read)
I know the stays do get in the way when I go down wind. What appeals to me is the idea of making the sail out of billboard fabric. The junk rug sail is free of highly stressed areas so one can make it from less dimensional stable fabric. No covers needed, and very much economical. Im not sure id like the look. I think the boat looks great with the regular rig. But having a shorter carbon fiber mast would make rigging easier. (My friend insists that wood is the best material however that would be much too heavy for a centerboart yacht)
Anyone sailed a boat with this rig?

Ix

[trswem]

No one will know until it's tried. My instinct tells me it's way too much work for what is mostly likely to be a significant downgrade in performance. But I love seeing people try crazy stuff, so if you do it, take lost of pics!

[Be Free]

I've known one person with a wooden boat and a junk rig. He loved it but I could never see the appeal. I take that back, his was one of the few boats that I could consistently beat in any wind and any point of sail so it did appeal to me on that basis.

If he's thinking of doing this conversion on a Mac then he should be nominated to the MacGregor hall of fame. I didn't think there was any way to make a Mac sail slower but he may have discovered the secret. Please send pictures!

[NiceAft]

Be Free wrote:

I didn't think there was any way to make a Mac sail slower but he may have discovered the secret. Please send pictures!

[Ixneigh]

I've known one person with a wooden boat and a junk rig. He loved it but I could never see the appeal. I take that back, his was one of the few boats that I could consistently beat in any wind and any point of sail so it did appeal to me on that basis.

If he's thinking of doing this conversion on a Mac then he should be nominated to the MacGregor hall of fame. I didn't think there was any way to make a Mac sail slower but he may have discovered the secret. Please send pictures!

[OverEasy]

Classically a “junk” rig was for calm water and light breezes…. Generally used in shallow water in coastal areas providing abundant sheltered coves/harbors….. Dealing with strong winds and high seas are not its forte.
This isn’t to say they haven’t sailed into storms or long blue water voyages but those uses were probably more of a matter of expediency (using what’s available/familiar) rather than design for purpose.

Something of an alternative to possibly consider is a “Gaff” rig main sail if one is looking for uniqueness on a single mast main sail with increased sail area that doesn’t require a new mast and stays configuration. It would also still allow for use of a foresail, jib or Genoa should that be desired.



As far as using billboard fabric that’s an “I-dunno” and an “I’mnotsurethatwouldbeagoodideaforthecostandeffortinvolved”… but that’s just my less than 2-bit opinion. I’d think one could find valid yet inexpensive sail fabric for the time and effort and expense of making up a custom mainsail. There are multiple suppliers out there…..

The other thing that piques my curiosity about a “junk” rig is the potential weight involved.

A “junk” rig classically employs multiple intermediate stay poles into the sail which force it to form. These stays are also utilized as reefing points (if I’m not mistaken) which would add to the material weight and inertia aloft. I’d think of this as a detriment to the stability of a Mac26 with its narrow hull form….and water ballast arrangement.

Just my limited thoughts and perspective….

Best Regards,
Over Easy

PS: The “gaff” rig sorta gives ya the look and function of a “junk” rig without having to scrap the existing mast and stays geometry

[Ixneigh]

Excellent points as usual, Overeasy!
The billboard fabric is supposed to be very cheap, (they make tarps from it). But, I think it’s heavier than Dacron. That would be a big issue of concern with a water ballasted boat, of course.

Ix