Spinnaker Pole Length

Jul 19, 2007
50
-Hunter 1995 - 40.5 Hunter Saint Andrews, NB, Canada
Does anyone happen to know the length of the spinnaker for a 1995 - 40.5
The original equipment listing is for a Z Spar unit but I can't seem to locate a length.
 

Dave Groshong

SBO Staff
Staff member
Jan 25, 2007
1,864
Catalina 22 Seattle
13.5ft minimum, but most people will opt for an adjustable whisker pole, Selden offers one that is 11-19.4ft, for around $700
 

Joe

.
Jun 1, 2004
7,999
Catalina 27 Mission Bay, San Diego
Wait a minute! Dave said WHISKER pole.... you asked for SPINNAKER pole... that's two different animals!

A whisker pole's length is determined by the size of the sail....or sails... it will be used with. An adjustable length whisker pole is common but not mandatory. The foot length of the sail will often determine the optimal size.

A spinnaker poles length is determined by the boat's dimensions. In most cases this is the "J" dimension, or foredeck length, of the vessel. Here are the basic dimensions for your boat Hunter 40.5 the "J" is 13.25 ft.

Besides extra rigging considerations, a spinnaker pole on a boat your size will have specialized end fittings predicated on the manner in which the sail will be managed. i.e. "end for end" gybe or "dip pole" gybe...

A whisker pole attaches to a sail's clew and is simply there to hold the sail out... it takes a far less load than a spinnaker pole... which attaches to the windward corner of a large symetrical sail and deals with a much higher degree of torsional load.... that's one reason you can have an adjustable whisker pole... but not an adjustable spinnaker pole....the internal mechanicals just wouldn't hold up.