Repair and Maintenance of a Drascombe Lugger

Obtaining a new Gaff (5)
Varnishing & Testing the Gaff

Following on from the basic construction of the Gaff, this page describes how it was coated and then how it was used on the Lugger.

Coating the Gaff

My personal method as regards coating softwood spars is to use two thick coats of Epoxy resin as an undercoat (on bare wood), which is sanded smooth and followed by two carefully applied coats of Epifanes marine one pot varnish. This is the simplest and most effective method I know of to achieve the double aim of effective protection with a superb finish to the wood.

Coating with Epoxy - Click for larger view
Coating with Epoxy

Make up the Epoxy. Follow this link for more information on how to use Epoxy. Quickly apply a good generous coating. Apply a second thick coating within 24 hours of the first coating (this saves the trouble of having to sand the gaff after applying the first coat to act as a key for the second coat). Don't worry too much about drips and sags as whatever the thickness the resin will cure to a rock hard finish which is easily sanded down. Tip: use a pipe cleaner dipped in resin to coat the inside of the lacing holes.

After the second coat has cured, wash the gaff thoroughly in warm water using a sponge. When dry, sand the surface smooth with a sanding block using 80 grit silicon carbide (used dry). Wash the gaff again and allow to dry. It is now ready for varnishing.

(Click on image for larger view)

Varnishing - Click for larger view Varnishing

This photograph shows a method of suspending the gaff at one end with a line through one of the lacing holes. This enables application on all sides of the gaff in one session. Unlike the application of the Epoxy, the varnish should be applied as evenly and thinly as possible to avoid drips and sags. This is quite tricky to achieve using a brush on a curved surface.

After the first coat has hardened, lightly sand down with 400 grade wet & dry (used wet), wash, and when dry, apply a second coat of varnish.

(Click on image for larger view)

Completed Gaff Completed Gaff

This photograph shows the completed Gaff, ready for use.

Some Notes on Using the Gaff

These notes cover attaching the halyard to the Gaff with the Stunsail Knot. Some photographs of the gaff in use on Sospiri will be added shortly.

The main halyard attached with a Stunsail Knot
The Main Halyard attached with a Stunsail Knot (Stunsail Bend)

This photograph shows the simplest method of attaching the main halyard to the gaff using a Stunsail Knot (also known as the Studdingsail Halyard Bend). This is tied just below the wedges. It is a very simple and quick knot to tie (see below) which grips the gaff effectively. The small size of the knot allows the gaff to be pulled up tight against the mainmast. The knot doesn't jam and as a consequence it is easy to untie quickly (even with cold fingers!).

Tying the Stunsail knot - Click for animated view How to Tie the Stunsail Knot

This diagram shows how to tie the Stunsail knot. Click the picture to run an animated explanation.

(Click on image for animated view)

Project started January 2004 and completed May 2004

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