Whisker Pole Part Sought

[Randall Schmidt]

I was sailing on a Hunter 40.5 sloop today and we were going wing-on-wing with a whisker pole. After the finish of the race in 15-20 knot winds with the jib set starboard and main with preventer set to the port I errantly turned the vessel starboard before the crew freed the whiskerpole. It bent badly. See photo. It was a friend‘s boat so now I’m on the hook to replace it. Ideally I can one of the two telescoping poles that comprise the whiskerpole and we should be able to reuse the pole end fittings. I’d appreciate any advice you can provide in my hunt for this component.

 

[Timm R Oday25]

I'd buy a newer better one . The friendship is way more important than trying to save a few dollars

 

[kloudie1]

The aluminum tubing can be sourced locally .. Forespar (or whatever brand) buys tubing and assembles the pole so if you can measure the tube carefully, you can make the part and transplant the fittings.. You may be able to call the manufacturer and get the stuff from them and get info on how to disassemble and re-assemble the pole.

 

[LLoyd B]

I didn't know there was a difference between a whisker pole and a spinnaker pole until your question came up and I started looking for aluminum if it ever happened to me. I don't race so I don't know what the rules are but since there is a difference I'm guessing that if you use the wrong pole you might have been racing illegally therefore including a penalty. I believe that it would be better to go to the original manufacturer of the pole for a recommendation of replacement or repair. On the other hand if it had been my boat I would have been attempting a repair always knowing the limits of use and my ability to properly repair it.

 

[Davidasailor26]

I didn't know there was a difference between a whisker pole and a spinnaker pole until your question came up and I started looking for aluminum if it ever happened to me. I don't race so I don't know what the rules are but since there is a difference I'm guessing that if you use the wrong pole you might have been racing illegally therefore including a penalty.

The main difference is that spinnaker poles need to be built heavier. They are subjected to higher compression loads from the spinnaker, especially when close reaching where the guy has a narrow angle to the pole. A whisker pole is just there to hold the jib out and can be relatively light. Since the compression loads are lower they’re often telescoping for easier storage. There can be a penalty for using a whisker pole that’s too long; not usually an issue when using a spinnaker pole.

 

[twodzusfittings]

Drive up and over the Bay bridge to Anchors and Oars (or is it Oars and Anchors) in Graysonville. In the back on the left against the barn wall they must have at least 40 used units.

 

[Foswick]

I think that damage will buff out. Or, maybe your friend won't notice.

No ... but seriously ...

I don't think there is any advantage to buying a new pole or finding a used spar, when that aluminum stock should be easy to get ahold of. Assuming it is 6061-T6 and not something exotic, you are looking at somewhere around $8-$9/ft. This lets you pick the exact dimensions you want. So, if the owner wants a strength upgrade, you could go for a slightly thicker wall thickness (at the cost of additional weight, of course).

I think you could anodize for something like $100. Someone that knows more about metals would have to comment on whether that is worth it and a good idea.

In any case, I think replacing with new stock is going to be an inexpensive way to make this right, but also not a shortcut. You could turn this into an upgrade.