Does anyone know what length spinnaker pole I need for my Hunter 26? They seem very expensive and I want to get the right length.
Spinnaker pole
- Thread starter Knot Flying
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The length of your spinnaker pole is determined by the boat's "J" measurement. Checking the specs here on the site, the Hunter 26 has a "J" of 9'5". So that would be your pole length as well. If you go longer and you race you are going to suffer a drop in PHRF rating. They are indeed expensive. You might be able to find a used one on Craig's list or on the internet.
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just make one with 2" plastic pipe, large wood closet clothes hanger pole, glued on plastic end caps, 2 clips attached to each end. Chief
Unlike a whisker pole, spinnaker poles can come under very large compressive loads. Its why they are sturdy (and expensive) in the first place. Making one that was not up to withstanding the possible pressure could fail and hurt anyone standing nearby.
The advice to look for a used one on craigslist is good.
The advice to look for a used one on craigslist is good.
That was my question: Whisker pole or Spinnaker pole. Even the whisker pole is under some pretty significant loads. Maybe a couple of hundred pounds. I made one for my 25 out of a boat pole. My goodness, did it flex. Finally, I saved my pennies and bought a real, telescoping whisker pole made by Forespar. $135 very well spent. Goes out to 12' and does just the trick. There is no way I would trust the job to PVC. I'm not saying it doesn't work, I just wouldn't trust it.
:stirthepot:just make one with 2" plastic pipe, large wood closet clothes hanger pole, glued on plastic end caps, 2 clips attached to each end.
...and if it does not work you have a place to hang your coat :stirthepot:
...and if it does not work you have a place to hang your coat :stirthepot:
The wood pole is inserted into the plastic pipe for strength plus it is what it is and fault can be found with all this kind of stuff! Realize that this is for a trailerable boat to use. The person who makes it needs to be smarter than a hat rack as well! Chief
Painting Pole as a Whisker Pole
I have heard from one or two people who have fashioned a whisker pole from a fiberglass type painting extension pole. It is stronger (?) than pvc and lighter as well. Has anyone out there tried this?
I have heard from one or two people who have fashioned a whisker pole from a fiberglass type painting extension pole. It is stronger (?) than pvc and lighter as well. Has anyone out there tried this?
i would be worried about flex, if weight isnt an issue you could take a broom handle or some other dowel and layer up some fg and carbon tweed cloth around the wood to stiffen and strengthen the pole then buy ends from westmarine or something, however this will be heavy and if you screw up often and have to re-lay and sand when you do composite work (like me, atleast till i get the swing of things again) then you will be cheaper to just buy a cruising grade pole from forespar, like has been said already, used is a good route but hard to find on the web, new is the best bet but the cost is worth the lack of a fragging piece of gear on deck during a blow, or worse with crew nearby.
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