Whisker Pole for O'Day 23 - Sailing Wing on wing

[James]

As I contemplate all the things I need to do this winter I keep thinking about sailing! and the things I'd rather be doing. One is understanding and finding parts and fittings to allow me to go wing on wing on my O'Day 23. Afforts to sail downwind without a pole were "unsucessfull" so I am now thinking about a pole.But what size? length, dia of pole? Should it be telescoping or is a single length okay?Who sells these at a reasonable price? What other modifications need to be made, attachment points on the mast?if you have experience with this on an O'day 23 or similar sized boat I would be very interested in your thoughts, suggestions and ideas.Thanks

 

[JT]

whisker pole

I have an O'Day 23 and was having the same problem. After checking out the prices I opted to make a pole. I used an extra pole for my swimming pool (you can get them at a pool supply store). The mast end I got at West Marine (about $6). The other end is a snap hook. I don't know what the max. stress my pole will take, but for the daysailing we do it works just fine.Jay T.

 

[Dave]

whisker pole

you should definitely use a whisker pole! I had a catalina 25 and used it all the time. Look in the West catalog for recommended sizes and prices. On my mast I installed a ring by drilling 4 holes and tapping them and using machine screws. Since it is aluminum the drilling and tapping is very easy. Make sure you use never seize on the threads to prevent galvanic corrosion. You can also use aluminum rivets (probably better)but then you need a rivet gun. The pole height should be so the pole is horizontal when the jib is fully extended.dave

 

[Justin - O'day Owners' Web]

Wisker Pole

James -Definitely use a pole. I prefer fancy ones for a couple of reasons - it you're hand you could build one with all the tricks.I like poles that telescope because they should be able to extend the distance from the mast to the eye on the sail even with the eye even to the bow of the boat - with the belly of the sail forward of the boat. That's a lot of pole to keep on deck, and isn't the optimum length under all conditions.I like to use a peg on the end of the pole that slips through the sail instead of a clip. That way I can ease the sheet on the sail and drop the pole it I have to. If you use clips on the ends you have to go forward to release the pole. In traffic its nice to have options.Justin - O'day Owners' Web

 

[Ken King]

Wisker Pole Options

I have a telescoping pole I bought from Home Depot that is made for changing light bulbs in homes with high ceilings. I also have a lighter one that was originally for a duster, but I don't know where we bought it. In a pinch, I've been known to run my jib sheet underneath my lifeline, which actually does a fair job of keeping the sail in position.