I have a 1985 Hunter 34 and am buying a whisker pole. In the future I plan on converting it to a Spinaker Pole. What length Whisker Pole and what length Spinaker Pole should be used on the Hunter 34? Next question how high from the base of the mast should the pad-eye be placed for the Whisker Pole? How high above the base of the mast should the ring be placed for the Spinaker Pole. Do you recommend a track on the mast and if so, how long and from where to where? Thank you for any suggestions. Charlie
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use a track
You definately want to use a track on the mast. Look at other similar boats to get an idea about placement. Spinnaker pole is usually governed by your J measurement (horizontal distance from bow to front edge of mast). A longer pole will likely subject you to a rating penalty in most PHRF fleets.
You definately want to use a track on the mast. Look at other similar boats to get an idea about placement. Spinnaker pole is usually governed by your J measurement (horizontal distance from bow to front edge of mast). A longer pole will likely subject you to a rating penalty in most PHRF fleets.
Did This
Hi, I added a track and mounted the wisker pole to the front of the mast, several years ago. We mounted the pole there also, bolted a bracket to hold the pole to the deck at the mast base too. I am going to my boat this coming weekend and can take the measurements for you. Too bad we sail in different parts of the country, as we no longer race, and the wisker pole could be yours for the right offer. John sv Fifty/Fifty Forked River, NJ
Hi, I added a track and mounted the wisker pole to the front of the mast, several years ago. We mounted the pole there also, bolted a bracket to hold the pole to the deck at the mast base too. I am going to my boat this coming weekend and can take the measurements for you. Too bad we sail in different parts of the country, as we no longer race, and the wisker pole could be yours for the right offer. John sv Fifty/Fifty Forked River, NJ
Whisker pole & track
I just mounted a track for my whisker pole on our 84 H31. The pole is a 13'fixed pole. It's a little short for the size of the jib, but I bought it used for $50(a far cry from the $400 new!). The track is 5' and mounted about a foot above the deck. I also mounted a pole chock so the pole can be stored vertically on the mast. Hope this helps, Bob S/V Lady Di II P.S. T-track can be bought @ sailnet.com by the foot. I saved almost $2/ft. over West Marine's price.
I just mounted a track for my whisker pole on our 84 H31. The pole is a 13'fixed pole. It's a little short for the size of the jib, but I bought it used for $50(a far cry from the $400 new!). The track is 5' and mounted about a foot above the deck. I also mounted a pole chock so the pole can be stored vertically on the mast. Hope this helps, Bob S/V Lady Di II P.S. T-track can be bought @ sailnet.com by the foot. I saved almost $2/ft. over West Marine's price.
Poles and Thee
Charlie, Whisker poles and spinnaker poles are not interchangable. A Spin pole is of a fixed length, is a bit stronger with more gear on it. A whisker pole is usually adjustable, a bit lighter and with less control hardware than a spin pole. A spin pole has a fixed length equal to the "J" of your boat. A whisker pole is adjustable for two reasons: First off, as the velocity of the wind changes the length is changed, and: the max length of the whisker pole is usually set by the local race committee and the PHRF ratings for the area. My max whisker pole length for racing with the Gulf Coast fleet is 1.6 of "J". That amounts to about 19ft for a Hunter 35 with a "J" of a little over 12 ft. If you are not a racer, than the whisker pole can be of any length desired - be mindful; 1.6 "J" is a handfull at times As to how to set the poles and the amount of effort for each, that is the subject of another thread. Sail on, ~~~~(_~~~~(_~~~ Rober Dean HL 35, Pensacola, FL
Charlie, Whisker poles and spinnaker poles are not interchangable. A Spin pole is of a fixed length, is a bit stronger with more gear on it. A whisker pole is usually adjustable, a bit lighter and with less control hardware than a spin pole. A spin pole has a fixed length equal to the "J" of your boat. A whisker pole is adjustable for two reasons: First off, as the velocity of the wind changes the length is changed, and: the max length of the whisker pole is usually set by the local race committee and the PHRF ratings for the area. My max whisker pole length for racing with the Gulf Coast fleet is 1.6 of "J". That amounts to about 19ft for a Hunter 35 with a "J" of a little over 12 ft. If you are not a racer, than the whisker pole can be of any length desired - be mindful; 1.6 "J" is a handfull at times As to how to set the poles and the amount of effort for each, that is the subject of another thread. Sail on, ~~~~(_~~~~(_~~~ Rober Dean HL 35, Pensacola, FL
Buy the track
I installed a mast track (Harken) several years ago for racing purposes. Bought it with a ball bearing car. If it's easy to adjust you will adjust it. I put the track about a foot above the deck that way when set up befor a race the pole is almost laying on the deck out of the way and can be pre rigged. In hind sight we also use the pole on Wednesday night JAM races an I should have bought the track a few feet longer. That way the pole could be stored vertical on the front of the mast with all foeguys etc off the deck at the mast base. It would make for a quicker take down and cleanup. The pole height adjustment is a definate need in Jib vs Chute work, and within chutework to maximize speed. Good luck PJ
I installed a mast track (Harken) several years ago for racing purposes. Bought it with a ball bearing car. If it's easy to adjust you will adjust it. I put the track about a foot above the deck that way when set up befor a race the pole is almost laying on the deck out of the way and can be pre rigged. In hind sight we also use the pole on Wednesday night JAM races an I should have bought the track a few feet longer. That way the pole could be stored vertical on the front of the mast with all foeguys etc off the deck at the mast base. It would make for a quicker take down and cleanup. The pole height adjustment is a definate need in Jib vs Chute work, and within chutework to maximize speed. Good luck PJ
Whisker Pole, is it for sale?
John, are you willing to sell your pole? If so, what is the model, length, condition and price you want for it?
John, are you willing to sell your pole? If so, what is the model, length, condition and price you want for it?
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