Joe,

For starters; To much weight afloat. To damn much rigging to foul. Too
much sail outboard going down wind. Gaff Jaws on the Mast (Sticking
unless greased-- messy mast) Almost a necessity to use mast ring on the
sail & Mast (Sticking) A real PITA to Gybe. An accidentally Gybe a real
time for TERROR! Goose Wing Gybe (Just about owned by Gaff Rigs. Makes
using a tall head nearly impossible. Makes using a decent head sail the
need for a Bow Sprit ( Another PITA)

Not being able to carry a tall rig, makes for carrying a larger Boom to
increase the size of the main. This increases the weather helm,
increasing the need for a larger Rudder ( Barn Door Rudder) Effects the
placement of the Mast forward and the need for a boom gallow.

With all the above; There is nothing prettier than a "Friendship Sloop"
or a "Skipjack Ketch" Sailing free. By someone else; NOT ME!

That's my personal feeling and;

I'LL DRINK TO THAT




http://community.webtv.net/tassail/ThomPage