Whisker pole

[rvh111]

Hi there, I am about to take possesion of a 2005 Hunter 33. Can anyone tell me what size "whisker pole" is the correct length for this boat?
In anticipation, I thank you....
cheers Roger (Sydney, Australia):dance:

 

[Bill Roosa]

The J dimention

The distance from the mast base to the attachment point for the jib tack (J).
That is the answer for a spinnaker pole. You do not want to go longer than that but can go shorter. I does depend on the actual sail(s) you wish to use them on. A 150 genny is going to tolerate a longer pole than a 100 jib.
What kind of down wind conditions do you get in and what sails would you normally have up? Calculate so the pole is 90 degrees from the center line when in that sail's clew. That sail should also determine the height of the mast end of the pole so you can put the attachment ring at the right height. You want the pole level with the water.

 

[rvh111]

Hi Bill, many thanks for that good advice...cheers Roger

 

[Alan]

rvh111

Your whisker pole should be adjustable (preferably line control) and be able to handle 1.5 times the 'LP' dimension of your largest genoa. The 'J' on your boat is 10' 10" so you should have a pole capable of about 17' for a 100% jib. As the apparent wind moves forward the pole is eased forward to remain perpendicular to the apparent wind. This requires the pole to increase in length to maintain proper sail shape.

 

[dstrippe]

Good question Roger, i was just searching with the same question and essentially the same boat.....mine is a 2007 33.
I need to understand the differences (capability wise) between a fixed length pole and an adjustable length pole ....other than cost.
thanks, Dave Strippe

 

[Alan]

Dave

A fixed length pole simply stated doesn't allow the draft of the sail to be properly adjusted. In fact as the breeze moves further forward from DDW the pole needs to be eased forward. This in turn increases the draft of the sail which is counter to what you would want. By lengthening the pole the draft can be controlled and the sail maintains proper shape and performance. A line control pole allows infinite adjustment on the fly to maintain proper shape.

 

[Scott B]

A fixed length pole simply stated doesn't allow the draft of the sail to be properly adjusted. In fact as the breeze moves further forward from DDW the pole needs to be eased forward. This in turn increases the draft of the sail which is counter to what you would want. By lengthening the pole the draft can be controlled and the sail maintains proper shape and performance. A line control pole allows infinite adjustment on the fly to maintain proper shape.

So the boat hook I've been using just doesn't give me the right shape ??

 

[Alan]

Scott

It might give you the right shape but for sure not your sails!