Whisker Pole Novice

Scott T-Bird · Jan 14, 2016

To do it right, install a t-track on the leading edge of your mast and use a sliding spinnaker pole slide. I installed a 1" track on my boat. You probably should have at least 1-1/4" track. You can start with a slide that works with pin stop if you want less complicated. You can always upgrade to a line controlled slide. I figured a 6' length would need to be about minimum.

Don't be tempted to simply install a ring in fixed position on your mast. It will only be in the right position a small fraction of the time ... when you are lucky. You will want to be adjusting height for point of sail, wind conditions and sail size for sure.

It is absolutely worth it.

shemandr · Jan 14, 2016

With a ring mounted on the mast. (http://search.defender.com/?Action=...9MTh_&SI=1da8fa86-587b-4400-9041-af870e394199) No. Use Aluminum rivets. Under $100. Yes.

Jackdaw · Jan 14, 2016

What Scotty says is for sure true for a SPIN pole. The adjustability in height is important there, and the stronger attach point is good for the much higher loads that spin poles are under.

If you use one headsail, you can simply mount a whisker pole at the level of the clew when the sail is out. You can mount a fixed ring at that height (pole is level with the water) and be good to go.

But if you have different sails with different clew heights, or you might go someday with a spin, than the extra cost and work of a track is a very good idea. Or you can go with two rings!

walmsleyc · Jan 14, 2016

Not sure what the manufacturer was for your mast, but if it's Isomat, then you can purchase special spin cars:
http://rigrite.com/Spars/Isomat_Spars/isomat_spin_cars.html

that work well, and don't need an additional track. You still need to add some rigging (blocks and cleats) to allow it to be adjusted., but they work like a charm.

Chris

markwbird · Jan 14, 2016

I have the same boat and I installed the sliding track because I want to use it for different sails including a spinnaker. If it is just for the one sail you can use fixed ring. The pole should be about level when in use. Since you have an adjustable whisker pole it is a good idea to mark the pole with a sharpie at the point where it is extended the correct amount for the sail(s) that you have. That way you can go right to it each time.

Sailgunner · Jan 14, 2016

I installed a ring for my jenny and it works fine. I do have to attach the pole to the sheet with the sail furled.

Stu Jackson · Jan 14, 2016

Good advice. Try the Harken website for details on how to attach any eye to the front of your mast. West Marine's online catalog will show your the hardware up close & personal. Good luck, good addition. When you come to learn to want to gybe your headsail with the pole c'mon back & ask, we have a few ideas.

DAVA390 · Jan 14, 2016

PGIJon said:
As always, Great Advice! Thank you! I hope I like the pole when I see it and that it's in reasonably good condition.
Stu... I read that you CANNOT gybe while W2W with a whisker pole........

-Jon

Oh, it can be done..you just need to have an extra pole for afterwards...

Stu Jackson · Jan 14, 2016

PGIJon said:
As always, Great Advice! Thank you! I hope I like the pole when I see it and that it's in reasonably good condition.
Stu... I read that you CANNOT gybe while W2W with a whisker pole........

-Jon

I thought you'd never ask.

Best advice I got was to tie a loop of line through the clew and attach the pole to that line, NOT the jib sheet. Assuming you have enough space between your mast and your forestay tack fitting, you can do a dip pole gybe: keep the pole on the mast ring, dip the pole down as the jib comes over.

Jackdaw · Jan 14, 2016

Stu Jackson said:
I thought you'd never ask.

Best advice I got was to tie a loop of line through the clew and attach the pole to that line, NOT the jib sheet. Assuming you have enough space between your mast and your forestay tack fitting, you can do a dip pole gybe: keep the pole on the mast ring, dip the pole down as the jib comes over.

That would be a very short pole (less than your J) to be able to dip-pole. Most spin boats that drip-pole their (J length) spin poles raise the mast end quite a ways in the track before dipping. Most whisker poles are set to the LP of the genoa, so are much longer than J. It will not be able to swing through alone, let alone with a genoa attached.

If I were going to quickly gybe a poled-out genoa, I would hold the pole up with a topping lift and end-for-end gybe it; attaching the pole-ends to the sheets. This assumes the pole has the same ends on each side, which is typical these days.

Supporting the whisker pole with a topping lift is a great idea anyway.... it helps keep the pole level and the clew up in lighter airs.

Scott T-Bird · Jan 15, 2016

PGIJon, take a look at the Selden telescopic spinnaker pole sold in the SBO store. http://shop.sailboatowners.com/prod.php?14110/
I purchased this for my boat and I believe it is an excellent product. It serves the purpose of a whisker pole at the 2 longest settings and a spinnaker pole at the design length. It's an excellent product at a reasonable price. Match it with a track on your mast and you couldn't be happier. I bought the shortest model for my boat. I considered the mid-sized length because the spin length is slightly longer than my J dimension. In the end, I decided to go with less weight and less cost and compromise with a spin length that is a little shorter than J. These are NOT custom poles, and they are multi-function, so compromises are anticipated ... but the price is reasonable.
When I'm W&W with genoa poled out, I first jibe the main over to the same side of the genoa, then you can jibe the genoa over after releasing the clew from the pole. I'm sure it's not a racing maneuver, but it works for me when I'm changing direction.
The track gives you soooo much more versatility. You can dip pole at spin setting by raising the mast car. The pole has a bridle and the ends are identical so you can also end-for-end when the pole is at whisker pole length. The only thing is the bridle is only balanced when the pole is at design length. I am thinking about modifying a bridle that can be balanced at the various lengths.
Did I already say it is an excellent product? Well, it is. Buy it here at this store. This is the best place to buy sailboat stuff, because it is exclusively for SAILBOAT OWNERS! (hence the name).