Whisker poll
- Thread starter Bob Cowan
- Start date
You want the whisker pole about the length of the LP, I believe. West Marine says length of the sail's foot. That means you might want an adjustable length for various sail sizes. You might want it adjustable for conditions as well. West seems to recommend an adjustable length from 10' to 18' for a working jib, 12' to 22' for genoa in heavy air conditions (to flatten the draft, I suppose).
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ForeSpar has a suggestions list, by boat model .... http://www.forespar.com/whisker2011.shtml
Unfortunately, it does not appear that your boat is listed, but perhaps their LC 10-18 are similar sizes considering they fit on the 32 ft boats. Perhaps a call will clarify.
Unfortunately, it does not appear that your boat is listed, but perhaps their LC 10-18 are similar sizes considering they fit on the 32 ft boats. Perhaps a call will clarify.
I would say zero. A whisker pole on a 110 is not worth it. Focus on a boom brake system that allows you to stop worrying about the main sail so that you can focus on keeping your jib filled.
I have a whisker pole on my present sailboat and also my past sailboat. In those 13 years I think I used them one time each. The conditions have to be just right for you to be able to utilize it. They do look very salty when they are mounted to your stancions though. Just my .02 worth.
The whisker poles I've owned and used have been adjustable for length--as in telescoping. They should belong enough to pole out a 155% (No. 1) genoa.
*Edit: A sprite/spinaker would be nice. Maybe someday. I'd still keep my whisker pole; a bit less effort to deploy/retrieve, especially with a furling jib.
For the OP, +1 for the telescoping pole. For downwind reaches, a properly deployed whisker pole with a genoa will add noticeably to your speed. Coupled with a proper preventer, it makes for effortless and fast downwind runs and is very easy to deploy and retrieve when proper procedures are followed.
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Nice Sprite Meriachee. BC I believe Scott is right, according to the US sailing rules the whisker pole may equal your LP. If you don't race it's a mute point but should be close to your LP. The LP is a diagonal line from the clew of the jib to the center of it's luff. I like a whisker pole. It stops the jib from fluttering and collapsing. Although an Asym on a sprite is more fun.
Poling out on a wing and wing and heading for the line is a wonderful feeling. I got 2nd place in Figawi last week with my cruiser-racer, light wind...poled out for almost a third of the race, longer waterlined boats lost their advantage, wind shifted and off we went.
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Starting our 4th year and had the confidence and right wind conditions to use the whisker pole on our 110 jib, with a guy rope and also a preventer on the mainsail. Felt great and kept us moving at a better clip in the right direction. Only "fun" we had was entering our home river and the wind piped up, should have just furled the jib but tried to loosen the sheet and remove the pole, lesson learned but still a great time. Will definitely use it going forward. 
Jeff
Jeff
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