Bowsprit - T37

This directory contains pictures of three different bowsprits:  my old sprit (circa 1983), a new one ordered from and returned to Tayang, and a new one made out of mahogany by a carpenter here in Maryland.

Old Sprit Pictures:

Note the delamination.  Also note the mounting hardware, especially the stem bolt.  Note that the stem bolt is bent, the bolt has "pulled" through the sprit (not sure if the bolt was overtightened or the sprit "rose" over time).  Note the washer for the stem bolt is concave and the sprit has been "compressed."

The old stem bolt backing "plate" is shown (a series of fender washers).

Also note that the bolt hole on the boat's stem has been "rounded" and/or elongated indicating that the bolt has been moving around.  Also note the "pad" on the stem used to support the sprit.

Tayang Sprit Pictures:

Some pictures are of the sprit in its shipping container.  Close observation will reveal that the piece was delaminated when rec'd.  Subsequent photos reveal the extent and relative depths of the delamination along the entire length of the sprit (multiple seams).

New Bowsprit Pictures:

Four photos showing the new sprit made by Master Carpenter Lewis Moore here in Maryland.  The sprit is made out of mahogany and you can see some of the construction principles used to make the sprit (note that the crosstrees are mortised into the main piece and then bolted in place). 

The sprit, as shown, is epoxied in preparation for painting with Interlux Perfection (two part) which should last about five to ten times longer than varnish and obviate the need to sand/varnish all the bloody time.