Whisker Pole for Hunter 31

[Pitman]

I have a 31’ Hunter with a 155 jib. Need to purchase a Whisker Pole. How long a pole do I need and what is the best value. I am a lake sailor so do not need a heavy duty pole. I have been looking at a Forespar #401106 LC 10-18. Also where is the best place to purchase Whisker Poles.

 

[Pitman]

adjustable pole

Just one more note. Has anyone tried the Forespar adjustable pole 7-17FT, which can be extended to lengths up to 17' and securely locked in position by an internal twist lock device The review says that it’s for boats up to 25'. Lenght is right, my concern is that it may not hold up to a 155 on a 31' boat.

 

[Peter Brennan]

Follow the specs

If the maxmum size boat for the pole you are considering is 25 feet and your boat is 31 feet, don't buy it. The compression loads on a whisker pole can be enormous. For yur boat, the minimum size whould be the LC10-18 (Forespar). And at that size the line control pole makes a lot of sense. These things are heavy and the less wrestling you have to do the better. Ours is an LC13-24. It's a bear to manage single handed. Don't forget a peoper setup on the mast, too. You will need a car and track and control lines. And if you can arrange a topping luift, so much the better. his is not extending the boathook to hold the sail out.

 

[Steve Winkle]

Ask Richard

Pitman -When we wanted a whisker pole for our H30T, we asked Richard at LaVida. He helped us get the one that was right for that boat. He's a straight shooter and if you find the same pole for less than his quote, he'll either tell you he can't match it or he'll make it good.Fair winds,Steve

 

[Bill Ebling]

10-18 fine

The LC 10-18 is more than enough. Thats what we have rigged on Yesterday's Dream; works great. As stated before going bigger makes it more difficult to handle. Rigging a topping lift helps single handling (in addition to acting as a topping lift, it acts as a lanyard, you won't lose your investment overboard). Use the Isomat car and store vertically on mast.Bill EblingYesterday's DreamCrab Alley Bay, Kent Island MD1985 H31' Hull #31395