Whisker pole

[flynhi4u]

After using our redneck whisker pole the other night

http://forums.hunter.sailboatowners.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=91728&stc=1&d=1442587012

I got to doing some research on them. I am curious what I need to hook the pole to the mast and if I need a topping lift for the pole? If so is it simply a block attached to the mast with a line ran through it to the pole and then cleated off on the mast? I am looking at a telescoping pole from West Marine and by virtue of a small boat the price is not too bad. Would be nice to have and if I can figure out how to hook it all I up I can see one in our future.

Thanks
Sam in IN

 

[Jackdaw]

You need a pole ring mounted to the front of your mast.

http://www.westmarine.com/buy/ronstan--spinnaker-pole-ring--584104

Mount it at the same height of your genoa clew. You don't need a topping lift for such a small boat. But you can have one if you want.

 

[flynhi4u]

Thanks Jack, the pole I was looking at had lexan ends. I am assuming they would be strong enough for my application.
When it comes to storing the pole, I see them on the front of the mast. What is the part called that the pole clips into when it is being stored?

Thanks
Sam

You need a pole ring mounted to the front of your mast.

http://www.westmarine.com/buy/ronstan--spinnaker-pole-ring--584104

Mount it at the same height of your genoa clew. You don't need a topping lift for such a small boat. But you can have one if you want.

 

[Jackdaw]

Thanks Jack, the pole I was looking at had lexan ends. I am assuming they would be strong enough for my application.
When it comes to storing the pole, I see them on the front of the mast. What is the part called that the pole clips into when it is being stored?

Thanks
Sam

That will be fine. Compared to spin poles, the loads on a whisker pole are quite light. You COULD store the pole up your mast, but that requires two more fittings and is a lot of work for a small pole. I'd just clip one end to your shrouds at the turnbuckle and be done with it. That's what we do with our spin poles. Try that for a while before investing in a mast mount solution.

 

[flynhi4u]

Good idea. Ok, been thinking about how this is going to work. Since the foot of the genoa will be longer than the length of the distance from the headstay to the mast, how do I set the length of the pole before unfurling the genoa? I read where you want the length set prior to unfurling the headsail. To me I would think you would hook up the pole with it unlocked so it can slide out to the length needed as you unfurl the head sail. As you can tell I am clueless.

Thanks
Sam

 

[isaksp00]

Based on my recollection when we had a smaller boat, I suspect the instructions you referenced mean that the length should be locked before you actually use it each time - not necessarily before any unfurling for the very first use, where you adjust it. I would think that it should be easy to set when you are on a run for the first time - just attach both ends and adjust to hold the jib to a decent shape, obviously after the sail is out.

 

[flynhi4u]

I was thinking that I could adjust it the first time and mark it so I could go back to that setting. I was curious if I coukd attach it to the jib sheet with it unfurled then hook it on the mast eye to hold the genoa out? My concern is what do I do if I need to sheet in the genoa in a hurry. How would I disengage the pole from the sheet since I coukd not furl it in all the way due to the lent of the pole being greater than the distance from the mast to the fore stay?

Thanks
Sam

 

[isaksp00]

We used to use our spinnaker pole as a whisker pole on our smaller boat (17 ft). It had a snap hook on each end and a line between the two. I don't know how the whisker pole is configured, other than it seems to telescope like a boat hook.

We'd do what you suggest - hook over the jib sheet (using the release line to open the hook) then hook to the fitting on the mast. I think if you have to sheet in quickly you just have to go forward and remove it - though you'd only be using the pole on a near dead run, I think, and normally would not have to sheet in rapidly. I guess maybe if you had to round up suddenly, say to avoid a collision, but then I suppose you could just let the jib luff for the short period before you could move forward.

Same thing to furl - I can't see how to do that until you unhook at least the sheet end of the pole.

You could leave it at full (adjusted) length when not in use, or mark the right location as you suggest for each time you extend it.

 

[flynhi4u]

Thanks for the tips. I am sure once we get it and start using it will all make sense.
Bringing the boat home for the season this Sunday. Have a bit shorter season on the slips than we did last year but so worth it to not have to launch and recover each time!

Sam in IN