Whisker Pole on a 1988 26.5

[tonyh1307]

I have a 1988 Hunter 26.5 and I just can't figure out where to attach the whisker pole on the mast. There is no shackle. Maybe it could be attached to the step plate for the mast?

Should I attach a shackle to the mast or is there another way?

 

[Alan]

The right way to do this is to add a small length of track to the leading edge of the mast and have a car that can be adjusted so the pole always stays perpendicular to the mast. If you want to do it cheaper you could install two or three pole rings at strategic points which will allow you to choose the most advantageous one.
Being that you have an older 26.5, which is a true 'sleeper', I wouldn't hesitate to put the mast track on. When you graduate to spinnaker class you will be glad for the track when you use a spinnaker pole.

 

[tonyh1307]

Thanks. So put it on so that I can keep the pole at a 90 to the mast? I run down wind a lot and its just a 120 sail so its kinda hard to keep the wings apart.

 

[Ed Schenck]

Unless you are going racing in the spin class I think a track is an unnecessary expense. Most of us cruising types use an asymmetrical which does not require a pole. And if you have only one jib then you only need one ring mounted on the front of the mast. Attach your pole to the jib clew with it all the way out. Then keeping the pole horizontal you find the point on the mast for the ring. Mine is installed with four machine screws. I guess if you were going to use multiple jibs that had higher/lower clews then a track would be a good idea.

 

[Barnacle Bill]

He's not talking about a spinnaker. He wants to go wing on wing with a jib. So, he doesn't need a spinnaker pole or a spinnaker at all. What he needs is a track on the leading edge of the mast with an adjustable car to attach his whisker pole to. The rule of thumb for a spinnaker pole is to keep the pole perpendicular to the mast (which means the outboard end will be the furthest out), but a whisker pole is adjustable, therefore you extend the pole the distance required to hold out the size jib/genoa you have attached.

 

[tonyh1307]

I appreciate the replies one and all. I think I have the info I need. I have a short piece of track and have a spare car with a one inch shackle on it so I think I will give it a try. It has holes for four countersunk screws so I guess that will be where I start.

Thanks again,

 

[DJN51]

You,ll need a Mast pad eye,WM page 1022 2011 cat.,or try this sites store.