Whisker pole
- Thread starter Roger F
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Pole and chute
I have a whisker pole and an asymmetrical cruising chute for my 85 28.5. The pole is adjustable, and attaches to a standard spinnaker pole car and track on the mast. I love the chute, you can see it in my avatar. Let me know if you have any more specfic questions.
I have a whisker pole and an asymmetrical cruising chute for my 85 28.5. The pole is adjustable, and attaches to a standard spinnaker pole car and track on the mast. I love the chute, you can see it in my avatar. Let me know if you have any more specfic questions.
A couple of years ago, we purchased and installed a line control whisker pole on our H31. We got the pole from forespar and the Isomat Ring Kit from Layline. We opted not to install mast ring adjustment rigging. Instead, we mounted the ring in a fixed position. We do not seriously race this boat so the additional cost and effort along with the added rigging complexity was not justifiable. Deck storage is achieved with stanchion-mounted brackets. I would strongly recommend the line control model over the cam or button models. Much easier to handle under stress.
Spinnaker Pole Track
You can get a 4' or 6'section of 'T' track (back side curved to fit a mast) and a spinnaker pole car . Attach the bottom of the track no lower than the top of the life lines. Drill and tap the mounting holes carefully as there typically is a wire raceway / conduit inside your mast. You can find its location by the pop rivets that hold it in place being visible one side of the centerline of the mast. Use a sealant on the stainless steel 1/4-20 machine screws to prevent galvanic action between the stainless and aluminum. The simple adjustable cars are spring pin types; the more expensive have teflon bearing surfaces and line controls. Check this Forum for Asymetrical Chutes; assuming you are not racing, thats the better short handed cruising choice. You should investigate how an internal spinnaker halyard can exit the mast above the headstay. If you are starting from scratch using an internal halyard, you need an exit slot thru the mast, up to a swiveling block on a tang or loop above the headstay for a clean fairlead; or you can simply run the halyard on the front of the mast up to the same swivel block; borrow someone's A-Kite and see how you like it before you do the mast set up and buy the chute.
You can get a 4' or 6'section of 'T' track (back side curved to fit a mast) and a spinnaker pole car . Attach the bottom of the track no lower than the top of the life lines. Drill and tap the mounting holes carefully as there typically is a wire raceway / conduit inside your mast. You can find its location by the pop rivets that hold it in place being visible one side of the centerline of the mast. Use a sealant on the stainless steel 1/4-20 machine screws to prevent galvanic action between the stainless and aluminum. The simple adjustable cars are spring pin types; the more expensive have teflon bearing surfaces and line controls. Check this Forum for Asymetrical Chutes; assuming you are not racing, thats the better short handed cruising choice. You should investigate how an internal spinnaker halyard can exit the mast above the headstay. If you are starting from scratch using an internal halyard, you need an exit slot thru the mast, up to a swiveling block on a tang or loop above the headstay for a clean fairlead; or you can simply run the halyard on the front of the mast up to the same swivel block; borrow someone's A-Kite and see how you like it before you do the mast set up and buy the chute.
Cruising not racing
We'll be cruising the H306, not racing except for the occassional need to avoid being shown up too much. I think I would opt for installation that allows the job to get done with relative simplicity, versus high end performance. The guy who did my marine survey mentioned some concern regarding a spinnaker with a fractional rig such as the 306...the added tension on the mast without an aft stay. Does anyone know if there is anything to this? I will need to read up on use of a chute, we are just a couple seasons into sailing so far and haven't tackled that one yet. Is there a big difference in speed gained between a jib held out with whisker wing and wing versus a chute?
We'll be cruising the H306, not racing except for the occassional need to avoid being shown up too much. I think I would opt for installation that allows the job to get done with relative simplicity, versus high end performance. The guy who did my marine survey mentioned some concern regarding a spinnaker with a fractional rig such as the 306...the added tension on the mast without an aft stay. Does anyone know if there is anything to this? I will need to read up on use of a chute, we are just a couple seasons into sailing so far and haven't tackled that one yet. Is there a big difference in speed gained between a jib held out with whisker wing and wing versus a chute?
Larger Headsail?
Have you considered a larger headsail? It is also possible to fly two Genoas at the same time. Say your standard jib is a 110 but you also have or can borrow a 135. Fly the 135 poled out opposite the main(wing and wing); but hoist the 110 loose but tacked to the same tack fitting or to a short pennant. In light air it won't likely be an improvement, but in medium air it is faster than either single sail. In our old club (non spinnaker)races, we allowed two Genoas to be flown as long as the luff was not more than 18" off the headstay. To make an assumption on your earlier question about the lack of support with no backstay; the hoisted mainsail and main sheet tension would be bracing the mast. You wouldn't be flying an A-kite or the two Genoas in heavy air anyway.
Have you considered a larger headsail? It is also possible to fly two Genoas at the same time. Say your standard jib is a 110 but you also have or can borrow a 135. Fly the 135 poled out opposite the main(wing and wing); but hoist the 110 loose but tacked to the same tack fitting or to a short pennant. In light air it won't likely be an improvement, but in medium air it is faster than either single sail. In our old club (non spinnaker)races, we allowed two Genoas to be flown as long as the luff was not more than 18" off the headstay. To make an assumption on your earlier question about the lack of support with no backstay; the hoisted mainsail and main sheet tension would be bracing the mast. You wouldn't be flying an A-kite or the two Genoas in heavy air anyway.
Balance
From what I have heard, the Hunter 306 (as a lot of the small-mid size boats) is balanced for the main and 110; installing a larger head sail will leave you fighting a bit for balance. This is what I have heard...not from experience. So if anyone has first hand knowledge with this ,I would be interested in hearing more.
From what I have heard, the Hunter 306 (as a lot of the small-mid size boats) is balanced for the main and 110; installing a larger head sail will leave you fighting a bit for balance. This is what I have heard...not from experience. So if anyone has first hand knowledge with this ,I would be interested in hearing more.
Balance
Roger, you are being overwhelmed by too much misinformation. A fractional rig can easily fly an asym. The aft swept spreaders and shrouds handle the load that the backstay would see on in-line spreaders. Whoever the guy that did your survey was obviously has no clue what he is talking about. Most Hunters today are fractionally rigged with no backstay and all can fly an asym. Flying an asym with a sock is easier than dealing with a genny and pole for down-wind or off-wind work and it is a more efficient sail as well. The balance you are referring to deals with weather helm and upwind control. These boats were never designed to carry large genoas for upwind. Go for the asym and you will be amazed just how easy it is! ;D
Roger, you are being overwhelmed by too much misinformation. A fractional rig can easily fly an asym. The aft swept spreaders and shrouds handle the load that the backstay would see on in-line spreaders. Whoever the guy that did your survey was obviously has no clue what he is talking about. Most Hunters today are fractionally rigged with no backstay and all can fly an asym. Flying an asym with a sock is easier than dealing with a genny and pole for down-wind or off-wind work and it is a more efficient sail as well. The balance you are referring to deals with weather helm and upwind control. These boats were never designed to carry large genoas for upwind. Go for the asym and you will be amazed just how easy it is! ;D
Whisker vs Assym. Spin.
Roger, I've had both, plus full standard spinnakers. Full spinnakers require at least 1 or more knowledgeable crew (depending on boat size) to fly it while you handle the tiller and sheet(s). Not a good combination for either fun cruising or an inexperienced crew. Whisker poles are relatively simple, but add outboard weight to your jenny, an already heavier sail than an Assym. Spin.. This can work in medium and heavier winds but not well in light air. You may be referring to balance in the lateral context rather than fore and aft. I believe you will notice rolling as you progress downwind with a jenny and whisker pole vs the Assym. Spin.. This depends to a degree on crew experience, an experienced crew will relocate to help keep the boat in balance, otherwise you will have an uncomfortable ride. Eventually as wind increases, you will have to abandon the pole, not easy to do with a lot of pressure against the mast; then reduce sail. The Assymetrical Spinnaker or "Gennaker", a North Sails trademark I believe, is easy to launch and retrieve with a sock. I can do it myself with another person at the helm. This sail is easier to control downwind than either a full spinnaker or a wing & wing combination and can even get upwind in lighter conditions. It is also made of rip-stop nylon and is much lighter than any size jenny. I think it is the best way to go! Have fun!
Roger, I've had both, plus full standard spinnakers. Full spinnakers require at least 1 or more knowledgeable crew (depending on boat size) to fly it while you handle the tiller and sheet(s). Not a good combination for either fun cruising or an inexperienced crew. Whisker poles are relatively simple, but add outboard weight to your jenny, an already heavier sail than an Assym. Spin.. This can work in medium and heavier winds but not well in light air. You may be referring to balance in the lateral context rather than fore and aft. I believe you will notice rolling as you progress downwind with a jenny and whisker pole vs the Assym. Spin.. This depends to a degree on crew experience, an experienced crew will relocate to help keep the boat in balance, otherwise you will have an uncomfortable ride. Eventually as wind increases, you will have to abandon the pole, not easy to do with a lot of pressure against the mast; then reduce sail. The Assymetrical Spinnaker or "Gennaker", a North Sails trademark I believe, is easy to launch and retrieve with a sock. I can do it myself with another person at the helm. This sail is easier to control downwind than either a full spinnaker or a wing & wing combination and can even get upwind in lighter conditions. It is also made of rip-stop nylon and is much lighter than any size jenny. I think it is the best way to go! Have fun!
K.I.S.S.
I have a H33.5, bought a Forespar whisker pole a few years ago, use it downwind to pole out the gib. It cost me about $300, has two sections and work just fine. When I'm not using it I keep it in the aft bunk.
I have a H33.5, bought a Forespar whisker pole a few years ago, use it downwind to pole out the gib. It cost me about $300, has two sections and work just fine. When I'm not using it I keep it in the aft bunk.
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