A Pole for Patriot!
Doug: I spent a fair amount of time on this about 5 years ago when we bought the pole for Counterpoint. You will need a fairly heavy-duty pole if you intend to use it on some of the 15kph days that we have at Stockton. For Counterpoint I bought the Forespar LC 12-22 UXP UTR pole. It is sturdy enough for the H31 and it extends plenty far for the 150. The line control is great and is infinately adjustable. Do you have a fixed ring or a track on the mast? Some vertical adjustment on the mast helps, but it is less important than a topping lift. The pole weighs 33lbs unless you spend $2200 for the carbon version which still weighs 24lbs. The weight of the pole will distort the shape of the head sail except for the heaviest of days (when you will need to use the lazy jib sheet as a downhaul). If you have a spin halyard, that will work fine; but, if not, plan on adding a topping lift. I stored mine vertically on the mast with a chock near the deck and raised the mast car. If you use a fixed ring on the mast, you could put chocks on the deck or on the stanchions. The pole is lots of fun and worth every penny. I don't think I would buy the carbon version though, because it is still heavy and you can't jibe these things end for end anyway. Call me if you want to discuss. Boatless Ron Former Captain of Counterpoint (H33.5)
