Whisker pole

Witzend · Aug 13, 2009

I use a carbon windsurfing mast with a tang on the outer end that fits into the clew eye of my 135. The base is attached to a car which runs on a track attached to the mast. Currently I have been using the spin halyard to pull it up, but I'm planning on rigging up a control loop line. Works great!! I will take pictures next time I'm at the boat. I used this same setup when racing non-spin kicked but at the mark roundings.

rpwillia · Aug 14, 2009

There are several ways to go

Paul, I went with a spinnaker pole set-up - one reason was I got a great deal on ends on a clearance from WM. Here is what I have. I did have to reconfigure some of my lines lead aft from the mast so that the block for the topping lift was aligned (no big deal) as well as go up the mast and mount a mast hound attach the block mid-way up the mast. I did have a spare clutch so that was pretty sweet.

The pole I got from online metals in Oregon or Washington state - 3" aluminum tub that is 11' long (with the 4.5" on each pole end it makes the pole 11'9" or equal to the 310 "J"). I leave it hung on my lifeline stanchions when not in use with Forespar brackets which also leaves my decks pretty much clear.

Witzend · Aug 14, 2009

RP,
The Pic of the pole in use has me baffled? Are you using the pole for your head sail and not flying a spin? I see another head sail clew just to the left of the for-stay. Are there (2) roller furlowers, or do you fly a loose luff? What is your setup?

rpwillia · Aug 14, 2009

I am not that complicated

We were racing non Spinnaker in that race, so I used my pole to hold out the Genoa - it works really well. In that race in particular we shocked a lot of people as my 310 is very fast downwind in that configuration.

I can also fly a symmetric spinnaker, and am looking for one.

Witzend · Aug 14, 2009

Ok, I get it the Pic shows a boat in front of you, that is the Clew I see.

valcour · Aug 14, 2009

Another option

Here is one of the adjustable line control poles. I got it second hand from a sidelman 30. For the Catalina 310, it it just barely legal for PHRF completely collapsed. I have been thinking of cutting it down some to reduce the weight, but have better projects in mind.

valcour · Aug 14, 2009

pole in use collapsed

.

rpwillia · Aug 15, 2009

You are correct

Witzend said:
Ok, I get it the Pic shows a boat in front of you, that is the Clew I see.

There was a boat right in front of me in the picture (recall it was a Calibre 38) and I was right on his derriere until I finally passed him ;-).

rpwillia · Aug 15, 2009

Sweet picture, how did you ...

rig up your downhaul?

Richit · Aug 19, 2009

I have a related question. My 2005 310 has in-mast furling, but doesn't have a track or fitting on the forward part of the mast for the spinnaker or whisker pole. Has anyone added a track to the fore part of the mast with furling? If so, how to you make sure not to interfer with the main sail when furled?

rpwillia · Aug 19, 2009

I added mine, ...

but I have the Dutchman rig. I also went with a fixed ring as I had rivets running right up the front of the mast that I suspected were for the electrical conduit on the inside of the mast that precluded a track (which was what I really wanted). I do know a guy with a 309 that has the Selden rig with in-mast furling and the dealer in Deltaville, VA added a track and whisker pole on his boat ($1500.00 surprise gift from his wife - pretty sweet).

atom · Aug 20, 2009

For Richit

I also Have the furling main on my 2004 Catalina 310.
Mine has been fitted with a track since before I purchased it.
The furling section inside the mast is separated from the forward area which contains the conduit(s).
My boat has a Charleston Spars mast, I cant remember what year they switched to Selden, or if any 310s were built with Selden masts.
I checked the Charleston Spars site, it looks like all of the mast sections are configured with the furling area separate.
Here is the link (hope it works)
ttp://www.charleston-spar.com/us/main.asp?url=http://www.charleston-spar.com/us/products/masts/furling_masts/default.asp&f=2,78,,,
If not, it gives you a link to start from.

Sorry, I do not have any pictures to show you. But the mast is flat on the front with a nice spot for the track.
There is also a tab with a swivel block above the track, but below the deck light, to attach a topping lift for the pole. The pole lift leads down to a small Harken winch and cleat on the starboard side of the mast.

Richit · Aug 20, 2009

Re: For Richit

Many thanks. I'm not near the boat right now, so I don't know which mast I have. And I'll look for the tab or fitting for the toping lift. I haven't noticed anything just below the light at this point. I'll check it out. Again, many thanks.

valcour · Aug 20, 2009

downhaul rigging

The downhaul is not rigged permanently, but I add it if the wind pipes up. I lead it under the port side bow cleat, then back to the cleat for the jib roller furler.

valcour · Aug 20, 2009

spin pole track

I have slab reefing, so this may not apply to your furling mast section, but I was able to look along the leading edge of the mast and see the locations for the rivets that hold the wiring conduit in place in the front of the section. Just be careful when your drill passes through the aluminum to stop before you drill into the PVC conduit. My conduit was slightly off center so I could drill and tap the mast without any problems.

rpwillia · Aug 20, 2009

Nice Idea, Thanks

valcour said:
The downhaul is not rigged permanently, but I add it if the wind pipes up. I lead it under the port side bow cleat, then back to the cleat for the jib roller furler.

Pretty good idea. I very seldom need one, but I would like to fly a symmetric one and for that you definitely need a downhaul.

Witzend · Aug 25, 2009

Pics of my carbon windsurfing mast with Lewmar car and track.

Scott B · Aug 25, 2009

Witzend said:
Pics of my carbon windsurfing mast with Lewmar car and track.

Thats a good idea. I have a couple of windsurfers that have been sitting unused for several years. What did you paint the mast with and how did you attach the fittings to each end.

Whisker pole

.

.

.

Attachments

.

.

.

.

Attachments

.

Attachments

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Attachments

.

.

Attachments

.

.