Mast mounting a whisker pole - sticker shock

[LeeandRick]

One final question - what's the best way to determine the right height for the ring (e.g. so the pole is parallel to the water when the genoa is all the way out). Can I just unfurl the genoa and pull the clew back to the mast and mark it there, or wait for a windless day and pole out the genoa at the dock and mark where the whisker pole touches the mast when level with the water?

Roll it out method. I tried the clew method but double checked before drilling holes. The ring would have been 17" too low with the clew method. Also determine how far you want the sail out and mark the lines that extend the pole. I run my genoa as much as 20 degrees by the lee sometimes, so push the clew out perpendicular to the bow of the boat and keep the leech fairly tight.

The furl, set pole, unfurl method is a great way to jibe especially single handed.

I also use the bridal setup described on L-36 Using a Whisker Pole

 

[tfox2069]

I also ran across a post from Jackdaw from a few years ago which answered the same question deep into a thread - similar answer:

"Pull out your headsail and attach the pole to the clew. With the pole level bring the other end to the mast. Mark and mount there. Sorted. Plus or minus 6 inches and you'll be fine."

Thanks for all the comments here - I have the gear on order and a plan to install and then fly it. Very helpful.