New Reacher

I ordered a new reacher kit from Nickels Boat Works (Windrider), as I didn't want to take the time to source all the parts and fabricate something myself. It was pretty expensive, and I wouldn't normally go that way.

I received the shipment today, and it looks pretty good. I've had other Windriders with reachers, and each reacher install has been different. The first two had mylar sails, this one is dacron (6 oz). The first bowsprit was aluminum, similar to the boom. It used side stays to keep the bowsprit straight, and installed at an angle, using the original chainplate for the forestay. The second bowsprit was carbon fiber, and didn't use side stays. It seemed too flexible. It was mounted using a new chainplate with a hole that the bowsprit passed through. This version uses a similar setup, but the bowsprit is larger diameter, probably carbon and fiberglass, and doesn't seem subject to flexing.

I'll install it over the next few days and report back on the experience.