topping lift

[rgarrison@gmail.com]

I want to use a whisker pole to stabilize my head sail when running but my new, old Catalina 30 does not have, in its current configuration, a topping lift.

How do I install one or do I have any other options for deploying and supporting the whisker pole?

Thanks

 

[Calif. Ted]

Whisker poles generally do not require a topping lift as they are much shorter and lighter than a spinnaker pole. You will need a ring or other attachment point on the mast.

 

[rgarrison@gmail.com]

Thanks, I am running a 150 genoa, still okay? Does the wind load support the whisker pole?

 

[Sanman]

Thanks, I am running a 150 genoa, still okay? Does the wind load support the whisker pole?

We were running our Genoa with a whisker pole in light air crossing the Gulf last month and as the wind got light and the boat got rolly, the pole started bouncing a bit and behaving badly, so we just made up a loop in a piece of line then lashed the line in the middle of the pole and hooked up the Spinnaker halyard to it. Poled it out , hooked it up to the Mast ring snugged the Halyard up and it gave us no more issue.
Of course, if you dont have the Spinnaker Halyard, then you may find the wind load suffices, but it may do some jumping around if the conditions are less than optimal.

 

[Calif. Ted]

After you clip the outboard end to the clew that end is supported by the sail, you extend, lock, and clip in at the mast, supported at both ends. The pole usually goes ahead of the forward shroud but depends on how deep you are sailing.

 

[rgarrison@gmail.com]

Thanks, any "rules of thumb" on deterring the length of the pole? Clew plus 2 ft, etc?

 

[hvbaker]

18 ft.

 

[Calif. Ted]

Forespar recommends a Line Control 12-18 foot pole for a Cat 30, that's plenty stout, the pole I have now is an undersized Twist lock. The LC 12-18 is MSRP ~$1000, I haven't used mine in a couple years. It's usually desperation time when you deploy it, you are trying to get home from Two Harbors in 5 knots of wind. If I have very far to go downwind in light airs I'll use the spinnaker.
The Forespar website has a lot of info and if you do decide to get a pole you might want to check at Minney's, they are in the back yard to left of stairs.
http://www.forespar.com/whisker-poles.shtml