Whisker Pole

[Frank Wang]

I have a question about whisker pole. I have a Hunter 30 89. I could not find attachment point of whisker pole on the mast. Where do you suppose to attach the whisker pole to?ThanksFrank

 

[Vic]

Best thing to do is install ...

a track and an slide so that you can get about 3 ft of vertical adjustment. I think the rule is that the pole is supposed to be level ... which never seems to be the same place twice depending on the wind and its direction.Vic

 

[Bob Howie]

Vic's Right

vic's advice is right on. You do have to install an attachment point for your whisker pole on the mast. Old whisker poles used to have jaws and you just put it where you needed it and snubbed up the sheet.

 

[Doug T.]

Mast fittings

What kind of fittings are on the end of your pole? If it is the bayonet style, you'll have to have a corresponding mount on the mast. If it's the clip-on latch style, then a ring mount on the mast is appropriate.Having the the mount (ring or bayonet) on a track helps with sail trim, but it isn't strictly necessary. You can get by with a fixed mount rather than go with all of the cost and complexity of installing the track, the car and all of the associated uphaul and downhaul control lines, blocks and cleats.

 

[Frank Walker]

Pole Car

Frank, there is a special car that fits on the ribs on the front of the mast. You can purchase one from Rig Rite, Charleston Spars or Lay Line. I keep my pole snapped on the front of my mast by using a plastic clip that I bought from West Marine. Wouldn't leave home without my whisker pole.Frank Walker

 

[Frank Wang]

Thanks

I have a clip-on latch style fitting on both end of the pole. There are two graves infront of the mast extrusion. I guess there are some sort of fitting go into the grave to be slide up and down. I will search for the web site for the fittings the other Frank suggested. Thanks a lot.Frank

 

[Terry Cox]

DO YOU REALLY NEED IT?

Frank, on both my previous boat (H28) and my current boat (P42) they seem to sail just fine down wind without the pole. If you're into racing then maybe it will give you a bit more speed.Terry