Whisker Pole - Spike vs Latch

[kpgraci]

On a twist lock pole.

Can't get a definitive answers for this searching google. I've read that the spike may come out if the sail is flopping around, and the latch may twist the pole and collapse it or damage the fitting.

I don't really think either of the above is really valid, there should be not real twisting going on at the latch-sheet connection and if the sheet is tight the clew-spike connections will hold not matter what the sail is doing (within reason).

I'm leaning toward latch on the outboard end just because that's what bigger boats use, so there must be a reason...

 

[THECUSCUS]

I have "latch" ends on my twist lock pole, and it has only come undone when I failed to latch it properly ( barely closes on 3/8 line). If the sail would flog, the spike tip could pop out, and there is always the possibility of poking it through the sail or one of your crew members. You do see alot of small boats with "repairs" in their sails near the clew........hmmmm, makes ya wonder.

 

[bria46]

forespar makes whiskerpoles. If you go to the forespar web site. they have an excellent article on whisker poles. By the way, West Marine sells the forespar whisker pole for under a 100 bucks!

 

[kpgraci]

forespar makes whiskerpoles. If you go to the forespar web site. they have an excellent article on whisker poles. By the way, West Marine sells the forespar whisker pole for under a 100 bucks!

I'm looking at the forespar Adj6-12 from WM - it comes in two flavors - spike or lexan sl, it runs around $125 spike, $135 latch, they have a HD model for $330+ which would be nice I suppose but is probably overkill for my application. Considering what they want for just the ends only it's not a bad deal.

The under $100 pole is 4-8 foot, not long enough...

 

[inarathree]

I had the forspar 12' wisker pole, with the spike on one end and the clip on the other. the clip went on a ring on the mast, the spike in the clew of the genny. I never had a problem with it flopping around, as you should be using the jib sheets to keep the genny under control. I also added a small padeye to the end of my pole and a length of 1/8" line used to down haul the pole to keep it from rising.

I sail mostly single handed, and never had any issues with "spearing" my genny with the spike end of the pole. its really not that pointy. I guess i can see how it could be done, but only if the sail was really old. At the clew there are multiple layers of sail material.

How I do it - Most of the time, I set the pole when the genny is on the leeward side, snug it up, then gybe the main. The pole length you want set for the j length (mast to forestay). I used a sharpie to mark mine. Its kept stowed collapsed.

 

[Don12364]

The bigger the boat, the bigger the jib stick, the greater the need for a latch.

Racing dinghies use the spike so that their crews can whip the pole off in the last ½ second before the gybe mark.
Your 22' is just about on the dividing line so if dinghy style is not you I suggest the latch. It will be safer - and slower - and your crew will curse more.

 

[Witzend]

I use a carbon windsurfing mast with a spike tip stored up the mast on a track. Works great, never had a problem with it coming out as long as you put some tension on the lazy sheet to hold it in.

 

[Scott T-Bird]

I think those carbon windsurfing masts will disintegrate with constant exposure to the sun ... do you cover it when not being used?

 

[Witzend]

I have it painted.