Whisker Poles

[watermusic 35.5]

Can anyone tell me what length whisker pole is best for a 35.5' Hunter Legend? Thanks

 

[Ed Schenck]

An adjustable one. Simple but true because how many genoa sizes will you use during your years with the boat. Will a fellow 37 owner have the same size sail(s)? On my 37-cutter I found a cheap pole on E-Bay, 10' to 16' I think. Cheap because you adjust with push buttons and slide to the next hole. Much better to have infinite adjustment while the pole is out.

 

[cephius (Dave)]

I agree, an adjustable. I set the length differently depending on my sail angle.

 

[Bill1565]

Line control poles are extremely difficult to adjust under load. It is much easier to extend them on deck, lift the front end, clip it to the jib sheet up by the forestay.
Then push the pole forward, clip it on the mast, and shee tin to bring the sail around.

Racing rules limit pole length to genoa LP, not foot dimension. If you are not racing of course you can set the adjustable pole to longer than your genoa LP.

 

[Alice A.]

Measure the foot length of your genoa. Then choose the proper size pole. We have a Legend 37.5 and our 135% genoa measures 18.5 feet on the foot. We bought a Forespar line control whisker pole size 12-22 and it works fine. It's not a good idea to try one that is too small. The loads are great on a windy day and it could break.