Need to rewrap 2 gaffs

[wdlfbio]

I have the pair of 78” Calcutta bamboo gaffs we used on the Lumacat, but the color doesn’t match Slap Shot. Norm is working on some hockey stick gaffs, but until then, I figured I’d wrap these in red and white.

I haven’t done gaff handles in years. What do I need? Figure 3 sections per gaff. Would be cool if someone wanted to show me on the first two, and then I’ll finish the rest...

 

[Swede]

Damn. Serious crew loyalty when you start rewrapping your gear to match someone else’s boat.

 

[Pipejumper]

It’s not hard to do.

Get some Atwood 1/16” rope. You said white and red so like this https://atwoodrope.com/collections/1-16/products/1-16-white-w-red-tracer or this https://atwoodrope.com/collections/1-16/products/1-16-red-w-white-tracer

You start your wraps a number of ways but I take a short 6” piece and make a loop. Start with the tag end 2-3” through the loop. Wrap over the loop piece 4-5 times and then pull your tag end through. Wrap until your done and then basically do the reverse on the other side with your last 4-5 wraps.

On the grips it looks nice if after you start it off you do a series of half hitches as you slide it over the gaff end. The half hitches lay on themselves and create a spiral effect.

Spray some spar varnish on the whole thing.

If you want it to last a long time get some epoxy and out that over the wrap holding the hook on. Just be prepared to sit and rotate the handle for a few hours or the epoxy sags.

Don’t think you do but if you got to Salem or Newport I could get you going. They take about an hour or so to wrap.

 

[SouthBayKiller]

If you really want to use white cord, make sure to apply color preserver over it a few times and let it dry before putting any varnish on it. If not when the varnish soaks the white it will turn semi-transparent show the dark core of the cord.

Instead of spar varnish I usually just use a light coat of rod finish. But both work well.

Something else I do but I’m not sure if others do is I tape the hook onto the bamboo and then epoxy it in place. Wait for that to dry then wrap over it with cord. That way there is no chance the hook moves and there is no gap under between the hook for water to accumulate.

 

[TooManyHobbies]

Google 'whipping a gaff'. Lots of videos on the knots, etc.

 

[Fog Ducker!]

PM me for help! After all it will be for the Mayor of Float 12!

Ducker!

 

[Witty1]

some tips when using spar varnish...
start off coat #1 diluted like 50% mineral spirits/varnish
Coat #2 75%
Coat #3 100%.
This allows the 1st coat to penetrate into the cord easier.

Also remember.... when using epoxy, cover it with something (rod finish).
Most epoxies will turn chalky when exposed to UV over time. Some epoxies will get UV damage within a few hours of exposure.

 

[Marlin Mike]

PM me for help! After all it will be for the Mayor of Float 12!

Ducker!

what there's a new mayor in town

 

[JTC]

what there's a new mayor in town

It appears float twelve is claiming sovereign status! I say make him mayor of the whole town!
That way I can call and complain about my neighbors barking dogs!

 

[punted coho]

The black one is what happens to black and white cord if you put spar on it straight. It’s faded out a bit and looks kinda cool now, but definitely not white. I put rod bond around the hook to secure and smooth everything out. Let me know if you want a hand. I’m kind of close.

 

[wdlfbio]

I like the red, white, and black wrap.

 

[punted coho]

It’s a dark blue attempt at an America wrap. But pretty much came out black. You could probably sneak in a little USA on the Canadian with it.

 

[Corey G]

what there's a new mayor in town

I vote Mikey for Mayor. He’s already a politician anyways!

 

[wdlfbio]

Ordered 300’ of the white with red tracer. Maybe I’ll leave it natural and let them turned full red with tuna blood

 

[Fog Ducker!]

I vote Mikey for Mayor. He’s already a politician anyways!

Mikie has to many children to watch so he is way to busy!

Ducker!