Pole as a bowsprit ?

[Syversens]

Hi All, I would like to get an opinion on using a 3.5 inch spinnaker pole as bowsprit instead. I got a pole from my neighbor boat but my boat doesnt have the rigging for it, about $400 to get it complete. I also have a baby stay that will get in the way and agilia have been really helpful getting a solution... However I thought of a new use, looking at what selden makes they have a 99mm (a little over 3.5 inches) bowsprit with fittings and everything, perhaps I can just get the fittings, cut the pole and make a bowsprit at fraction the cost and much easier to manage for all my sailing.Anyone know if the pole would handle such forces on it ? Anyone have the selden pole and know how this it is and so on ?thanksGaute

 

[larry w]

Funny you should ask....

because I've been thinking of a way to use my whisker pole as a bow pole. I don't think you could use it as a BOWSPRIT. It would need to much additional support in dolphin strikers and whisker stays, but as BOW POLE to fly an asymetric, I think it might be doable. I would lay it on deck and somehow clamp it to the toe rail with about two-four feet beyond the bow, to get the foot of the asymetric out away from the pulpit, similar to a J Boat or other sport boat. So far, tho it hasn't come to much more than "half a page of scribbled lines."

 

[Doug_Meyer]

Sounds Like a viable idea

It would seem that it would be fairly easy to use the pole as it is albeit a little long! If you get onto Selden's website, you can see some fairly good illustrations of their system. I believe Forespar also has a similar system.One or both of them use a ring at the bow attached at or near the anchor roller bracket, and a couple of padeyes at the aft end of the pole, one for the forward position and one for the stowed position.I was beginning to look around myself for spinnaker pole that someone was willing to part company with, in hopes of doing a similar project on my 323.Let me know how your project progresses...

 

[Syversens]

not making a sprit... atleast for now

After some study (googling) of strenghts of poles and such I think I come to the realization that the spinnaker pole might not be heavy enough for the sideways pressure of a asymmetrical. The pole I have is 14' and would have to be cut, making it useless as pole and whisker pole if needed. I contacted selden but the forespar runs around $600 for the kit, this is not bad compare to a pole where that would barely cover the shipping.I think I'll keep the pole in one piece as is and save up, not sure how I'll do that thru chrismas, for a track to put on the mast. I have found other sources online who sells 6' aluminum pole with various thickness so if anyone knows dimensions or know the forces on a pole I think I'll go that way. I heard that selden sells their for $300 which is not bad at all...thanks all !