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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

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Whisker Pole

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joegeiger
1st Mate

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USA
63 Posts

Initially Posted - 07/26/2004 : 11:48:20

What diameter pole would be ideal for a whisker poll. West Marine sells an 1 7/8" pole for about $250. They also have an 1 1/4" pole for $120. I know that the whisker pole is only used for light to moderate winds so do I really need the 1 7/8" diameter or would 1 1/4" be satisfactory? Would a spinnaker pole work as a whisker pole too? They seem to be similar and if I could use it for both I'd get a spinnaker pole. Any insight would be appreciated.

Edited by - on

D Wrate
1st Mate

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38 Posts

Response Posted - 07/26/2004 : 12:10:19

I was wondering the same thing...

I have a WestMarine boathook #289480. The hook end of it is threaded with a #4 Acme thread, the same type as a paint roller handle... I bought a Forespar whisker pole end fitting like the one at the top of this picture:
http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10001&langId=-1&catalogId=10001&classNum=342&subdeptNum=341&storeNum=2&productId=71969

I fit the fitting to the handle end of the boathook. I had to use another piece of tubing as the fitting outside diameter was exactly the same as the boathook tubing outside diamter. No matter, 5 mins at my local metal supply solved that issue.

Then I used a paint roller (the kind that can be screwed onto a broom handle) and cut off all but about 4 inches of the metal part leaving just the handle and a short length of straight metal.

To use I screw the roller handle on and clip the fitting onto my mast fitting (It was already there so I didn't have to add that) and pop the roller spike end into the clew grommet.

Works great, and I only have one more piece of gear on the boat; the little roller handle pice and not a separate pole. And it cost me $24 for the fitting...instead of $200 for a pole...

Food for thought...

David

S/V Cindino

Edited by - D Wrate on 07/26/2004 12:12:03

frankr
Captain

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256 Posts

Response Posted - 07/26/2004 : 12:28:28

I lucked out - 2 weeks ago while tossing the weekend trash in the dumpster - I found an adjustable whisker pole 1 3/4 with a broken off end someone had tossed. It still adjusts from 7 to 11 feet so all I have to do is get a replacement for the inner tube (1 1/2 in) and I will have a pole to use. Question - for just poling out the 135 genoa is a fixed ring on the mast sufficient or is a track with adjustable ring height better? - thanks

Edited by - on

joegeiger
1st Mate

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USA
63 Posts

Response Posted - 07/27/2004 : 10:09:39

After doing a little research I found that the smaller pole is not designed for larger headsail sizes. It might work with the 110% jib but probably not the 150% Genoa. www.forespar.com has some good information on both spinnaker and whisker poles. In addition to the pole it would probably be best to mount it on an adjustable track so you can set it properly with the headsail fairleads. I'm going to check e-bay for a second hand whisker pole. There is also a marine consignment shop in my area that may carry some used ones too. CD wants $245 for the 6-12' pole and $329 for the 7-17' pole. Add on the cost of the track, the adjustable ring and probably a swivel block and line to use as a topping lift (the pole is heavy) and you are looking at over $350 to do it "right". Ouch...

Edited by - on

frankr
Captain

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256 Posts

Response Posted - 07/27/2004 : 13:07:04

Guess I'll keep dumpster diving - maybe I'll find some more parts.

Edited by - on

osmepneo
Past Commodore

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USA
1420 Posts

Response Posted - 07/28/2004 : 08:42:37

Class rules define maximum length at 16'3 1/2" Or something very close to that, so for c25 purposes you need forespare"s 17 foot version. However, I understand that phrf limits whisker pole to spinniker pole length which is less than c25 class allowances. Just food for thought.

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Derek Crawford
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3324 Posts

Response Posted - 07/28/2004 : 10:07:15

"I understand that phrf limits whisker pole to spinniker pole length"
Don - are you sure about that? We have never limited whisker pole length when racing PHRF.
Joe - you can save a few bucks by attaching the pole ring directly to the mast so that, when deployed, the pole is horizontal. We use the 7' - 17' 3-part telescoping pole on TSU and have never needed either a track or a topping lift (actually, a downhaul would make more sense as the pole tends to lift up in gusts).
Derek

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joegeiger
1st Mate

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USA
63 Posts

Response Posted - 07/29/2004 : 15:52:36

Thanks for the tip Derek. I was wondering if the track was really neccessary. I think I'll go with the 7' to 17' pole. I don't race....yet... but it would be handy to have options.

Edited by - on

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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.