Bowsprit Stainless Steel Grade?

Wishing to build a bowsprit inorder to fly the asymmetrical spinnaker.
I'll be using two SS flat pieces 3/16 thick 2" wide and 24" long. These
would be attacked to the bracket that supports the base of the roller furler.
This bracket will be reinforced to support added loads.

What grade of Stainless steel shoud I use???? 304, 2205.
Thanks Chris

Misc. thoughts...

C. Trembanis said:

Wishing to build a bowsprit inorder to fly the asymmetrical spinnaker.
I'll be using two SS flat pieces 3/16 thick 2" wide and 24" long. These
would be attacked to the bracket that supports the base of the roller furler.
This bracket will be reinforced to support added loads.

What grade of Stainless steel shoud I use???? 304, 2205.
Thanks Chris

Click to expand...

My knee-jerk reaction is to praise "316L", but I really have never done any metal work on that scale. :nerd:
Is this a separate piece, like a channel or L-shape? Combine with ss bow stay and anchor roller combo fitting?
(I have seen the later, and it's pretty cool, when done right)

Have you checked the threads on anchor rollers and bow sprit fittings on this site? Some pretty good pictures and ideas there. IMHO it's worth consideration because a ton of sailors have put the swivel block out on the end of such a fitting for their A-sail.

When you get a moment, do post up a "before" picture of your bow.

Best,
Loren

Bowsprit SS

Hi Chris,
I would agree with Loren. Go with 316 SS. I am in the marine canvas business and have the choice of 304 and 316 Stainless for our 1" and 1 1/4" pipe. About 6-7 years ago we switched to the higher grade SS being 316. The difference we saw is the 304 SS tended to bleed rust spots, I have yet to see this with the 316 grade SS.
Also important is to have the SS polished to a smooth shiny finish, no scratches. Polishing SS is more time consuming than the actual welding process.
Sounds like a good project.

Carl

Chris, here is the set up Im currently using to fly my asymmetrical spinnaker on a 38-200. The boat came with the anchor roller, i only attached to it. This is a very simple system and seems to work well. Not sure i did a good job with the photos showing what im talking about.