Whisker Pole

Status
Not open for further replies.
N

Nathan Schaan

Was out racing this past Tuesday and noticed that a whisker pole would be a huge imporovement for the 240 downwind. Where is a good spot to attach it to the boat for use? Do I need to get a mast attachement?
 
D

Dave Weir

Pole Attachment

A whisker pole is a great addition for any boat. It improves downwind efficiency by preventing the headsail from flailing when masked by the main or just because boat speed catches up with wind speed. You need to attach the pole to the mast. If you use a fixed mast eye it should be set at the height of the sail's clew on a broad reach. Better is to use a short track (2 ft) with an eye on a slide. You will also need to rig a topping lift and a foreguy to stabilize the pole. Forespar's website has good illustrations of the rigging as well as how to use the pole. Good Luck!
 
K

Ken Koons

Sail Magazine

There is a good Whisker pole article in this month's SAIL. I have installed one on my 240, I have only had the chance to use it once so far this season. The wife came close to sending me overboard in an accidental gybe the second attempt. For my purposes I'm not going to bother with the topping lift etc.
 
S

Sean Coerse

We race our 240 every week in a non-spinaker class. The whisker pole is a must in winward leward races that we run. I did not mount mine on a track. I bought the mast ring from Boat US, attached the pole to the clew, then attached the ring to the mast so the pole would be level. Attached the ring with 4 pop rivots. Used two racing seasons so far with no problems. Last night raced in 15-17 knots. We averaged 6.3 knots on the downwind leg. We pull the board up and put the crew weight forward to get the stern from dragging. We keep more weight on the side the boom is on to prevent accidental jibes.
 
A

Andy Jones

question for Sean

I've been looking to put a mast ring on my 23.5, but I couldn't figure out which one in West Marine's catalog would fit the diameter of the mast. My measurements and the dimensions in the catalog didn't seem to match up. Which one did you order? Andy
 
F

Frank

Question For Andy

Andy I'm glad to see another 23.5 sailor in our area. Where do you sail? Do you check in with the other locals at NCSAIL.org
 
A

Andy Jones

Reply to Frank

I sail on Kerr Lake (North Carolina/Virginia border area). I generally sail in the Henderson Point area. I hadn't heard of NCSAIL.org until your post. Where do you sail?
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Top Bottom