After market cutter rig installation on 1995 Hylas 46 455

[bravenewworld]

I am seeking to purchase a lightly used 1995 Hylas 46 455 that currently is set up as a sloop rig. I want to determine whether a conversion to a cutter rig is possible, practical (cost/time/effort) and what special handling characteristics may have to be accounted for as relates to the hull and standing and running rigging.

[barnakiel]

This looks like 46' Hylas and a cutter:

http://www.svaurora.com/newsite/SpecPhotos/DSC_0761.jpg

Talk to the boatyard, perhaps your mast and deck already have the fittings in place?

b.

[bravenewworld]

Thanks, I'll use your find in my discussions with Hylas.

[UNCIVILIZED]

You can also rig her with a Solent Stay, or a Solent Stay which can also be used in the Cutter position on deck. The addition of the stay & a halyard is dirt simple, & you don't need to add running backs. So that's another KISS factor.

Also, many folks set up such stays using textiles (Dyneema) for the stay, & employ hank on sails. Much like the Volvo boats.
With a big perk being that you can use a Solent Stay for both big, light air sails, as well as heavy weather jibs. Especially as the latter won't know that the head of the stay is near the masthead, instead of at 2/3 of your "I" measurement.

Here are a couple of explanatory pages: http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...ay-127556.html
Adding a Solent Stay - Practical Sailor Print Edition Article

PS: Without the necessity of runners, adding a stay is Much cheaper. Yet, if you desire them, you can add running backstays along with the new headstay, or later on.