Hi,
I ordered a bowsprit from Bud many months ago and am just in the final steps of installing it. I had it made out of 316 Stainless. Had the hull brackets made out of 3/8 " plate rather than 1/4 " . The tang at the front of the bowsprit made out of 1/2 " and more rectangle in profile which made space for an extra hole to be drilled on the lower forward area for attaching whatever I desire. The horizontal plate which it goes through was also upgraded to a heavier plate.
It fit pretty well, except I had to cut off the ears of the aft brackets and have them made longer in order to mate up to the aft bowsprit holes. I could have made spacers out of starboard or similar, but opted to redo the ears for a better look and less parts and pieces. The angles were also off a little, so I would have had to make the starboard spacers wedge shaped.
The old bowsprit had numerous cracks. Had someone try and repair it but they were just chasing cracks everywhere. I can provide photos of the new one and install if desired.
All the best,
George
W42 Cadence
Formerly - Viking Rose