Notice:
The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.
I sailed and raced my C25 for many years without a spinnaker, and got by very well with only a fixed mount ring, but, if you intend to fly a spinnaker, you should definitely install the track mount. The track mounted ring isn't very expensive. I just installed a 4' track and ring on my C&C 35 for about $100.
Some people use adjustable tracks, topping lifts and downhauls for their whisker poles, but I haven't seen any indication that they make enough difference to be worth the hassle.
Steve, One reason you might want to go with a track mounted, rather then a stationary, ring with a whisker pole is if you change sails in the future the stationary ring may not line up properly with the clew of the newer sail. Mine was originally set up for a 155 genoa and when I installed my 135 furler the clew was cut higher so the pole is not horizontal when extended. I now have to decide if I want to move the ring higher (drill more holes in the mast) or replace the current stationary ring with a track mounted one. The track mounted option will also give you more flexibility and allow you to add additional track mounted hardware (cleats, blocks, etc.) if you desire.
I hadn't thought of that, Joe. My 155 and 110% headsails were hanked-on, and both were low-cut at the foot. The factory-stock height of the ring worked well for either of them. When you changed from hanked-on sails to a furler, that would probably have changed the clew height enough to make a difference.
I agree with your thinking, that, if you have to decide between relocating the existing fixed ring or installing a new track-mounted ring, it probably makes more sense to install the track. It isn't a huge additional cost, and it's not difficult to install, but it does provide flexibility.
Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ. The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.