Proper Whisker Pole Size

[Ray2325]

When I look through the Forespar documentation they recommend for boats up to 33' (next lower size on chart is 28') to use their LC10-18 whisker pole. In a couple of other places for whisker poles they recommend a spinnaker pole be about the same size as the J specification which from Catalina's site for the 310 is 11'9". As I have a 135 genoa on my 310 which size pole should I be looking at - a LC10-17 or a 7-17 or some other one? My plan is to use the pole in light winds using either my genoa or a drifter I kept from my old boat (note the drifter is smaller than my genoa, but very light and great for light wind). Thanks Ray

 

[Joe]

whisker pole

read this: http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/westadvisor/10001/-1/10001/whiskerpoles.htm

 

[Jon W.]

C310 whisker pole

I think I have a 6-12 on mine. It's just a little too short fully extended with the 135%. I would get an LC10-18 myself, if I ever get a new one. A 10-17 would work fine also.

 

[Keith]

Line Control Whisker Pole

I put a Forespar line control pole that is mast mounted with a track/trolley system. The pole is the LC 12-22 with UTS/UTR and was cut down by Forespar to the C-310's J measurement (11 feet) when it is retracted. You could also go with a lighter pole LC 10-18. I chose the larger diameter pole because we often have windy conditions. The retracted length is perfect for a 110 jib and the fully extended length will pole out an asymmetrical spinnaker for an eye catching wing-on-wing. I've also used a solid pole that is stored below and I can tell you that the mast mounted pole is much easier to deal with. I haven't notice any change in handling from the extra weight on the mast.