I need to get a whisker pole for my '34 Beneteau. From a length standpoint it looks like I could get the largest twist lock pole that Forespar makes at about $500, but for that size boat they recommend the line control pole which is more like $1,000. Anyone have any experiences using a twist lock pole with a boat around the 35' range? Thanks
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I have an older twist lock Forespar, 3 part, 7' to 17'. I've used it on a 29 foot Columbia in light winds and it did fine. I don't know how it would do in moderate winds. Forespar also offers kits so that you can build your own poles. This might be a less expensive option. http://www.forespar.com/onlineCatalog/2007/08-aluminumTubingSpinnakerPoleKits2007.shtml
We used a 17 foot telescoping pole
on our 27 foot boat and it seemed to be taxed to the bending point with gusts and wave action. We kept it and used it on our Catalina 36 where during a 45 degree wind shift it was backed and it buckled. If you use a telescoping pole like ours, be very careful about its use if the winds are brisk and shifty. Ours made its last trip in the marina dumpster. Jack Gilmour
on our 27 foot boat and it seemed to be taxed to the bending point with gusts and wave action. We kept it and used it on our Catalina 36 where during a 45 degree wind shift it was backed and it buckled. If you use a telescoping pole like ours, be very careful about its use if the winds are brisk and shifty. Ours made its last trip in the marina dumpster. Jack Gilmour
I have a Forespar twist-lock
whisker pole for my C-320. It's just barely heavy enough to take the compression loading from the poled-out genoa. In one race, I did bend the crap out of one of the sections due to the strength of the wind (fortunately, I had a spare section, and was able to finish the regatta). You would be pushing the outer limits of the capability of this type of pole with your larger and heavier boat. I would either get an actual spinnaker pole or pop for teh line-drive option as recommended by Forespar. Steve Alchemist C-320
whisker pole for my C-320. It's just barely heavy enough to take the compression loading from the poled-out genoa. In one race, I did bend the crap out of one of the sections due to the strength of the wind (fortunately, I had a spare section, and was able to finish the regatta). You would be pushing the outer limits of the capability of this type of pole with your larger and heavier boat. I would either get an actual spinnaker pole or pop for teh line-drive option as recommended by Forespar. Steve Alchemist C-320
Look at the Forespar site
I have a Hunter 33.5 with a Forespar telescoping pole, size I'm not sure of as I write this. I just took a look at the Forespar site and found that it is very informative,gives the sizes, how to measure, loads on different types etc. Suggest you look at Forespar.com
I have a Hunter 33.5 with a Forespar telescoping pole, size I'm not sure of as I write this. I just took a look at the Forespar site and found that it is very informative,gives the sizes, how to measure, loads on different types etc. Suggest you look at Forespar.com
Shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
we have friends who say that, too, and have never had the nerve to correct them, we just giggle about it, like their use of "rogue wave" on a regular basis when another boat's wake gets close - and they scream it out at the top of their lungs. Maybe a subject for a separate post: unusual applications of incorrect terms.
we have friends who say that, too, and have never had the nerve to correct them, we just giggle about it, like their use of "rogue wave" on a regular basis when another boat's wake gets close - and they scream it out at the top of their lungs. Maybe a subject for a separate post: unusual applications of incorrect terms.
On a 35Ft C&C we raced on ...
we had to keep a crew man on the down haul to ease it when the pole started to bend. AND that wasn't a twist lock toy. Unless you are just using it in light wind ... I would vote on the heavier one. They do crimp in two pretty easily. and with a bigger boat you extend it once it is in position and attached to the mast and sheet ... not too easy with a twist lock under pressure. of course if you are not racing and only use in under 10 kts. maybe another story. I've used a pole to wing out my jib ... ok but a little short for a 135. Vic "Seven"
we had to keep a crew man on the down haul to ease it when the pole started to bend. AND that wasn't a twist lock toy. Unless you are just using it in light wind ... I would vote on the heavier one. They do crimp in two pretty easily. and with a bigger boat you extend it once it is in position and attached to the mast and sheet ... not too easy with a twist lock under pressure. of course if you are not racing and only use in under 10 kts. maybe another story. I've used a pole to wing out my jib ... ok but a little short for a 135. Vic "Seven"
toys
Most twist lock poles are toys, and will compress, bend......The line control Forespar poles are, like you said, at least $1k-2K. You may find a fixed pole (spinnaker pole) adequate depending on what sail you're flying; racing? You can probably find a used one for $400+, take a ride down to Minneys in Costa Mesa, or Kelly's in San Pedro.
Most twist lock poles are toys, and will compress, bend......The line control Forespar poles are, like you said, at least $1k-2K. You may find a fixed pole (spinnaker pole) adequate depending on what sail you're flying; racing? You can probably find a used one for $400+, take a ride down to Minneys in Costa Mesa, or Kelly's in San Pedro.
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