I never hear much talk about using the whisker pole on the Mac 26. I have a telescoping typed one and tried it a few times but I'm sure I'm not using it right. I have a 150% furling jib. I tied a knot in the jib sheet where the grommet is to hook the pole to and I tied a rope around the mast and hooked the other end of the pole to that. It kind of works but it looks stupid and I'm sure it is incorrect. Also it is a pain to jibe with this set up. I'm a beginner so any hints would be helpful?
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John S
Whisker Pole Used
I just got my whisker pole set up and dialed in. I am using the stock jib, however. I installed a mast track, and when using the whisker pole, I run my jib sheets outside the main shrouds. I stow my whisker pole on the forward side of the mast when not is use. I'll try to get some photos this weekend. I have not done much in the way of jibing, but I would imagine that you could leave the jib where it is , until after jibing the main and then reset. John S
I just got my whisker pole set up and dialed in. I am using the stock jib, however. I installed a mast track, and when using the whisker pole, I run my jib sheets outside the main shrouds. I stow my whisker pole on the forward side of the mast when not is use. I'll try to get some photos this weekend. I have not done much in the way of jibing, but I would imagine that you could leave the jib where it is , until after jibing the main and then reset. John S
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GregS
Need a 'tang' on the mast
The ones I've seen have a track and a place on the mast where the pole snaps into. Well actually it's a spinnaker pole but same concept I think...?
The ones I've seen have a track and a place on the mast where the pole snaps into. Well actually it's a spinnaker pole but same concept I think...?
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John S
spin pole
Yes, you need to be able to adjust your whisker pole up and down the mast and you need to be able to extend and retract the pole length. Mast track allows up and down, adjustable pole allows in and out adjust.
Yes, you need to be able to adjust your whisker pole up and down the mast and you need to be able to extend and retract the pole length. Mast track allows up and down, adjustable pole allows in and out adjust.
C
chad
attachment to jib?
So how did you attach the pole to the jib? Also, Where do I get one of those mast tracks. That seems essential to the whole operation.
So how did you attach the pole to the jib? Also, Where do I get one of those mast tracks. That seems essential to the whole operation.
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John S
Mast track
The track material is the same as the track that your adjustable fairleads run on. In this case it is 1 inch track. I have purchased lengths on ebay, and from Harken. I installed the track with 1/4-20 SS countersunk machine screws about 1/2 inch long. I set them in super glue so they would not back out. Mast ring from ebay. John S
The track material is the same as the track that your adjustable fairleads run on. In this case it is 1 inch track. I have purchased lengths on ebay, and from Harken. I installed the track with 1/4-20 SS countersunk machine screws about 1/2 inch long. I set them in super glue so they would not back out. Mast ring from ebay. John S
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John S
Performance
One thing we haven't discussed is the difference in performance. On a downwind run, without the whisker pole, my jib flopped around in the backwind of the main. Now I keep it on the opposite side of the boat, thereby balancing the boat and increasing the sail area exposed to the wind. Because of the shortness of my sail, the pole stays up against the sail without a knot, but my friends whisker pole has a spike on the end of his whisker pole that goes through the sheet grommet on the sail. However, others feel that the jaw type is more secure when clipped to the sail. John S
One thing we haven't discussed is the difference in performance. On a downwind run, without the whisker pole, my jib flopped around in the backwind of the main. Now I keep it on the opposite side of the boat, thereby balancing the boat and increasing the sail area exposed to the wind. Because of the shortness of my sail, the pole stays up against the sail without a knot, but my friends whisker pole has a spike on the end of his whisker pole that goes through the sheet grommet on the sail. However, others feel that the jaw type is more secure when clipped to the sail. John S
C
chad
mast track length?
Thanks Guys. So John, what is the length of the mast track you used. I'm assuming it needs to be long enough to slide the pole up it to allow the head sail to jibe, or am I supposed to telescope the pole in to bring the sail across? My whisker pole is the jaw type that has a quick release shroud line attached that opens the jaw. The jaw won't fit into the grommet on the sail. Like I said earlier, I'm currently grabbing a knot tied in the jib sheet with the jaws on the pole. (Who wants an extra knot to weaken the sheet.) I was considering attaching some sort of ring to the grommet on the head sail. What do you think? In my (very little) experience, when running or broad reaching the jib, like you said, tends to flog. Even when flying wing on wing this happens sometimes. I've pulled out the jib a couple of times and noticed a huge difference in speed (plus it looks cool).
Thanks Guys. So John, what is the length of the mast track you used. I'm assuming it needs to be long enough to slide the pole up it to allow the head sail to jibe, or am I supposed to telescope the pole in to bring the sail across? My whisker pole is the jaw type that has a quick release shroud line attached that opens the jaw. The jaw won't fit into the grommet on the sail. Like I said earlier, I'm currently grabbing a knot tied in the jib sheet with the jaws on the pole. (Who wants an extra knot to weaken the sheet.) I was considering attaching some sort of ring to the grommet on the head sail. What do you think? In my (very little) experience, when running or broad reaching the jib, like you said, tends to flog. Even when flying wing on wing this happens sometimes. I've pulled out the jib a couple of times and noticed a huge difference in speed (plus it looks cool).
J
John S
Mast Track Length
The length of mast track is 48 inches. it starts 24 inches from the bottom of the mast. The track range has been ideal for my working jib, I don't have a spinnaker or a genny. Due to the angle formed between my whisker pole and the end of my jib, simply clamping the jaws on the jib sheet causes the pole to ride towards the sail, so I haven't had the problem you are dealing with on your end of your whisker pole. How about tying a loop of sufficient sized line through the grommet, and clamping your WP end through it? John S
The length of mast track is 48 inches. it starts 24 inches from the bottom of the mast. The track range has been ideal for my working jib, I don't have a spinnaker or a genny. Due to the angle formed between my whisker pole and the end of my jib, simply clamping the jaws on the jib sheet causes the pole to ride towards the sail, so I haven't had the problem you are dealing with on your end of your whisker pole. How about tying a loop of sufficient sized line through the grommet, and clamping your WP end through it? John S
Trackless
Mast track not needed if you only use one foresail with it. With whisker pole attached to jib or genoa clew, push sail out until it is in fully extended position. Positon pole so it is level with the clew,then mark mast at that height for the mast end of the pole fitting. Usualy, a snap hook on the mast end of the pole, with a ring or plastic or stainless steel on the mast. A 3 to 4 inch long pin to push through the sail's grommet is good. Expereince in a storm taught me it's not a good idea to have the pole hooked on both ends. You want to be able to dump that pole quickly in a sudden downburst situation, or uncharted reefs or snags.
Mast track not needed if you only use one foresail with it. With whisker pole attached to jib or genoa clew, push sail out until it is in fully extended position. Positon pole so it is level with the clew,then mark mast at that height for the mast end of the pole fitting. Usualy, a snap hook on the mast end of the pole, with a ring or plastic or stainless steel on the mast. A 3 to 4 inch long pin to push through the sail's grommet is good. Expereince in a storm taught me it's not a good idea to have the pole hooked on both ends. You want to be able to dump that pole quickly in a sudden downburst situation, or uncharted reefs or snags.
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Bob
learned the hard way
First time using whisker pole yesterday...definitely worked well...that is until an unexpected gust hit...before we could drop out the pole the wind grabed hard ended up twisting the pole and bent it in half - ruined the pole. Lesson learned...whisker pole was undersized. have to be very careful. $150.00 gone in an instant!
First time using whisker pole yesterday...definitely worked well...that is until an unexpected gust hit...before we could drop out the pole the wind grabed hard ended up twisting the pole and bent it in half - ruined the pole. Lesson learned...whisker pole was undersized. have to be very careful. $150.00 gone in an instant!
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