Make shift whisker pole

[chuck]

This is follow up of more information that I had asked before. A sailing friend made a makeshift whisker pole so that we could go wing on wing. He used an ordinaary aluminum telescoping boat hook. It worked fairly well but slipped off mast once in a while. Does anyone have an idea how I could made something that would better hold the end of the pole to the mast? thanks a lot for any help Chuck

 

[Don Evans]

Add a Bail

Chuck, purchase a small SS bail (2 9/16" in width) from a chandlery, and through bolt it to the end of the boat hook using lock nuts and washers such that it can hang out from the end and swivel. Attach a shackle to the bail such that it can slide along the bail. Pop rivet an aluminum mast padeye (meant for twist lock whisker poles) onto the mast at the proper hieght for the clue of the jib. Hook the shackle on the boat hook to the pad eye and clip it to the clew of the jib. Haven't got a clue if this will work but in my mind it might...8^)Donp.sJust looked in West marine catalogue and they sell an inexpensive Forespar, pole fitting end and mast ring and screws as a kit. This is for a 1 1/4" aluminum pole. This should work nicely for a small pole and sail but I am worried it may not be beefy enough for a large pole/sail and gusty wind. The larger stronger versions of these pole end kits(proper whisker pole)are pricey.