how do you rig a Sumner 12?

[Peter_J_Brennan]

Hi. I traded my old dinghy for a 1976 Sumner 12' sailing dinghy, but I can't figure out how to rig it. It's gaff rigged, but the gaff doesn't seem to slide onto the mast. Also, the boom extends over the transom, so I don't see how you could rig a backstay. This being the case, how do you keep the mast from falling forward?<br />If anyone can help me with this, I'd appreciate it. <br />Thanks,<br />Pete

 

[ED21]

Re: how do you rig a Sumner 12?

Not all boats need a backstay. If the sidestays attach aft of the mast they will support loads toward the bow. Those loads tend to be small anyway. <br /> I can't help w/ the gaff rig. As far as I know they slide up the mast. Maybe on a 12' dinghy<br />they could be fixed. I don't know the Sumner, but small gaff rigged boats often have freestanding masts, sometimes w/ only a headstay. <br /> If you could find an old advertisement or owner, that should help. Old issues of magazines(can't think of the name)that have an annual catalog of boat models & manufacturers could be a source. One other suggestion is search the library for general books about sailboats & rigging. They might spark an idea.<br />Could it be sprit rigged? See http://councill.home.mindspring.com/sbjournal/melonseed/melon2.html