Whisker Pole

[Ron]

Has anyone installed a whisker pole on the C320? If so, can you share your experience (how to, products used, costs, performance, etc.)?Tnx--Ron

 

[Joe Barrett]

Forespar

On my C320 I installed a forespar padeye on the front of the mast and use a forespar LC 12-18 whisker pole. LC stands for line control, there is an internal line whch adjusts the lenght of the pole. Shorter on a broad reach, longer wing and wing. As for performance I don't know how you can sail downwind without it! I put the pole up whenever the wind is aft of the beam. No more flapping Genoa and much better speed!

 

[Ron]

Thanks

At present "downwind" is generally more of a broad reach in order to fill the Genoa. Occasionally the conditions are right to hold wing&wing for a while, but its tough without a pole.You might consider posting details & photos on the Catalina 320 International Society website and/or doing a Mainsheet article. I'm sure many would be interested.Tnx--Ron

 

[Joe Barrett]

C320-list@sailnet.net

Ron are you not on this list? This is the Email address for all C320 owners on sailnet. You can sign up by clicking the link on the C320 Intl web site. Right now I am going to be taking photo's of the outer Genoa track I installed for racing for the C320 Intl web site.

 

[Ron]

Too many lists

JoeI should be on this site's list and the C320 International site list. Haven't checked lately..........I looked up info on the Forespar whisker pole and for the C320 size of boat. They recommend the next larger size (LC 12-22) as being more capable of handling the compressive loads in heavier air. It has 2-1/2 to 3 inch tubes. Not sure how "heavy" the air is to be before that size is warranted. Comment?A couple of additional questions:What type(s) of inboard/outboard fittings did you get? Are you satisfied or would you have selected a different type? Why?How high up from the deck mast base did you mount the mast attachment fittings?Did you go for the vertical mast storage or deck/rail storage? --Ron

 

[Joe Barrett]

Forespar

Hi Ron, it's been a year since I bought the pole but I really do think it is a 12-18 and having sailed with it I think it is fine, no need to go with the 22. Don't remember the padeye but it is a forespar. I guesstimated the height and it worked out fine, obviously pole should be parallel to the water so you might want to unfurl the Genoa to help determine height of the padeye. I don't now what fittings I have, I just bought the 12-18 Lc that Boat us had in stock, price was about $495. I store it on the deck with one fitting attached to the base of the forward shroud. Hope that helps! Joe

 

[Joe Barrett]

Forespar

Hi Ron, it's been a year since I bought the pole but I really do think it is a 12-18 and having sailed with it I think it is fine, no need to go with the 22. Don't remember the padeye but it is a forespar. I guesstimated the height and it worked out fine, obviously pole should be parallel to the water so you might want to unfurl the Genoa to help determine height of the padeye. I don't now what fittings I have, I just bought the 12-18 Lc that Boat us had in stock, price was about $495. I store it on the deck with one fitting attached to the base of the forward shroud. Hope that helps! Joe