I know, I know, there are plenty of posts about this, and they have one answer: the whisker pole should be the length of the J measurement. Right? Finally got around to checking the J on my Hunter 290: 11 feet. Now comes the dumb question - looking at Forespar poles, the smallest line control is an LC 8-14; is that the right one to buy? For some reason, I had previously looked at another model, but for the life of me I now don't know why, and with the right logic, I really don't need anything longer than 11 feet. Just looking for an affirmation before spending $; thanks in advance to Franklin, Fred, Ross, Capn Dave, et al for your patience and calm responses.
Whisker Pole Length
- Thread starter PHitchcox
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Whisker Pole / Spinnaker Pole
The J dimension as a 'Limit' comes from racing requirements and spinnaker pole lengths. If you are using the pole to pole out a headsail in typical cruising fashion, a little extra length may come in handy. An overlooked factor on adjustable poles is the number of sections in expandable / adjustable poles results in thinner diameters and less strength in bending. Use an adjustable pole in light to medium air and don't let it get pushed against the shrouds where it can be put under bending stress and fail.
The J dimension as a 'Limit' comes from racing requirements and spinnaker pole lengths. If you are using the pole to pole out a headsail in typical cruising fashion, a little extra length may come in handy. An overlooked factor on adjustable poles is the number of sections in expandable / adjustable poles results in thinner diameters and less strength in bending. Use an adjustable pole in light to medium air and don't let it get pushed against the shrouds where it can be put under bending stress and fail.
Whisker and spinnaker pole length
Generally, rules say the whisker pole should be no longer than the foot of the maximum sized genoa for your boat or the foot of the sail itself. One measures the foot of the genoa as a straight line from the clew to the tack. Generally, rules say a spinnaker pole should be no longer than the J measurement of your boat. The J measurement is a horizontal line from the front of the mast to the point where the forestay attaches to the bow. So, spinnaker pole length is nearly always shorter than whisker pole length unless the maximum sized jib for your class vessel is only a 100% where the foot of the jib and the J measurement would be essentially the same and therefore the whisker pole and spinnaker pole would be the same. Nevertheless, to keep costs down and store only one pole, many use a telescoping pole that runs from the J measurement to the foot of the genoa. However, as many have found, this is not always economical as telescoping poles have a nasty habit of braking if not big enough which tends to be the case to keep the weight of the pole manageable.
Generally, rules say the whisker pole should be no longer than the foot of the maximum sized genoa for your boat or the foot of the sail itself. One measures the foot of the genoa as a straight line from the clew to the tack. Generally, rules say a spinnaker pole should be no longer than the J measurement of your boat. The J measurement is a horizontal line from the front of the mast to the point where the forestay attaches to the bow. So, spinnaker pole length is nearly always shorter than whisker pole length unless the maximum sized jib for your class vessel is only a 100% where the foot of the jib and the J measurement would be essentially the same and therefore the whisker pole and spinnaker pole would be the same. Nevertheless, to keep costs down and store only one pole, many use a telescoping pole that runs from the J measurement to the foot of the genoa. However, as many have found, this is not always economical as telescoping poles have a nasty habit of braking if not big enough which tends to be the case to keep the weight of the pole manageable.
Hitchcox, I am in the process
of making a whisker pole from a length of bamboo and some turned ends. I lived in Bangor for a couple of years back in the dark ages and I don't remember any bamboo growing in Maine. But don't dispair, a white cedar sapling trimmed and made to serve will let you have a functional whisker pole for just a little effort. Shape the end for the clew into a rounded spear and put a notch in the other end. Make a snotter to put on the mast and lash a cleat to the pole. Lead the snotter through the notch and adjust it for the wind and cleat the line. Now you have a whisker pole that cost you all of about 2 hours labor and fifty cents worth of 1/4 inch line.
of making a whisker pole from a length of bamboo and some turned ends. I lived in Bangor for a couple of years back in the dark ages and I don't remember any bamboo growing in Maine. But don't dispair, a white cedar sapling trimmed and made to serve will let you have a functional whisker pole for just a little effort. Shape the end for the clew into a rounded spear and put a notch in the other end. Make a snotter to put on the mast and lash a cleat to the pole. Lead the snotter through the notch and adjust it for the wind and cleat the line. Now you have a whisker pole that cost you all of about 2 hours labor and fifty cents worth of 1/4 inch line.
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