03/09/2026
At Skathow Boat, we’re always coming across challenges that need a solution.
With that in mind, we’ve started a new little “department” — Skathow 3D.
Using 3D printing alongside more traditional boatbuilding skills, Skathow 3D will develop practical solutions to some of those irritating little problems we all encounter on boats. As we prove them, we’ll make them available through the Skathow online shop.
And this is our latest project…
Introducing the Skathowhoop™
These photos show our prototype mast hoop, developed specifically for traditional gaff-rigged boats.
The Skathowhoop™ can be produced to suit different mast diameters. The final production version will have encapsulated fastenings and will require nothing more complicated than a screwdriver to fit or remove.
But why? I hear you ask…
There are really two reasons.
Firstly, for gaffers currently using lacing.
Lacing the mainsail onto the mast at the beginning of the season is one of those jobs most of us could happily do without. If you regularly trailer your boat and remove the mast and sail, it becomes even more tedious.
The Skathowhoop™ has a small eye-tang which remains permanently laced to the sail. The tang separates from the hoop by undoing a single machine screw.
When it's time to put the boat back together, simply reconnect the tangs to their respective hoops and the job is done.
A very good reason to move away from traditional lacing — unless, of course, you just like lacing…
Secondly, for larger gaffers already using wooden mast hoops.
Traditional wooden hoops look lovely, but they have their disadvantages.
They can be difficult to fit retrospectively because they often won't pass over mast fittings, meaning they really need to be installed before the mast is fully fitted out. They also require ongoing maintenance to keep them in good condition.
And then there’s the cost.
Replacement wooden mast hoops can be seriously expensive — in some cases approaching £200 EACH before fitting.
But are 3D-printed mast hoops really up to the job?
We believe they are.
The Skathowhoop™ has been carefully designed to put material and strength where it's needed while keeping unnecessary weight to a minimum.
They're printed in ASA, an engineering thermoplastic particularly well suited to outdoor applications thanks to its resistance to UV, weather and heat.
And, importantly, because we manufacture them ourselves, we can produce hoops to suit different mast diameters without the cost associated with individually made traditional wooden hoops.
Now we want some feedback.
This is still a development project and the photographs show the prototype, not the finished production version.
Before we move to the final design, we'd genuinely like to hear from owners of gaff-rigged boats.
Would you use them?
Are you currently using lacing or wooden hoops?
What diameter is your mast?
And if you already use wooden hoops, what did your last set cost?
Constructive thoughts — positive or negative — are very welcome.
If there's enough interest, the Skathowhoop™ will become one of the first products available from Skathow 3D.
© 2026 Skathow Boat. All rights reserved.
