Lug/sprit sails for a 27 ft fishing boat

[dopeydriver]

I'm wondering about the use of Lug or Sprit sails on a 27 ft aft wheelhouse fishing boat.
I know they are or have been used for fishing in the past , just wondering how easy they are to use , with a minimum of crew.
Rob J.

[HELLICONIA54]

I know the Thames barge has sprit sails and only crew of two.Google Image Result for http://www.solarnavigator.net/images/barges_river_thames_sailing_barge_canthusus.jpg

[HELLICONIA54]

and,,, only have one line(the main sheet)

[dopeydriver]

Thanks mate.
I'm just wondering for example , how quick you could put in a tack , on your own.
Regards Rob J.

[HELLICONIA54]

not with the sprit i'm afraid.With the sprit,unless it's a modern version like Ray Aldridge's "Slider" see Slider you;ll probably have to scandalise the sail.

[dopeydriver]

Thanks for that.
I think I'm going to stick with what I know , a gaff cutter.
Regards Rob J.

[b.o.a.t.]

was that 'put in a tack' or 'put in a reef' ?

I can't see that tacking would be any harder than any other boomed sail.
Putting in a reef however... wot Helliconia said.
AJ

[dopeydriver]

I was talking about a tack , I keep on thinking of the old lug sailed life boat tacking here.
They did it very very well , but it took a big , well practised crew.
But putting in a reef on you own could be interesting too.
One thing I learnt from the old 'couta boat men here , is to always go out very conservatively , put the reefs in before you leave .
You can always shake them out later , but if the weather gets up on you , you are prepared.
Regards Rob J.

[b.o.a.t.]

Sounds like a dipping lug where the yard has to be passed to the other side of
the mast. Phil Bolger did a couple of cruising boats like this, eg the Fast
Motorsailer Mks 1 & 2 - Planing power boats with a lee-board & dipping lug for
lots of low down power. He set it up with a peak halyard to make tacking it
possible for a single hander, but remarks that it is still the work of a few minutes
or needs more crew.

Ross Lillistone's primary rig for his Phoenix III is the sprit.
Seems to be as easy to handle as any bermudan or balanced lug.
cheers
AJ