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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

General Sailing Forum

Whisker pole seized

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Designwiz
1st Mate

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USA
59 Posts

Initially Posted - 02/08/2005 : 13:29:54

This weekend I was able to purchase a used 6-12 foot Forespar whisker pole. I only have a 110 jib for my boat so this lenght should work out okay. The one problem with it is that I can not get it to telescope, turns but it will not extend. Have it currently soaking in a gutter full of white vinegar (per Forespar recomendations). I'm really curious...does this actually work it free? Next step if this doesn't work is to just pull it apart with a come along. I realize that the locking mechanism will probably get destroyed but then again the replacement kit is only $30. I only paid $75 for it (new one is about $275) and it is straight as an arrow with no dings or dents so I thought was worth a shot. Has anyone here had one of things apart or better yet rebuilt one? Also curious how does this hook onto jib, thru the grommet or onto the sheet line itself as it comes out of the grommet? Still have to mount a ring mount on the mast but that is not a big deal once I figure a mounting height to place the pole horizontal.
Thanks in advance....

Wind Dancer

Edited by - on

atgep
Master Marine Consultant

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1009 Posts

Response Posted - 02/08/2005 : 14:03:47

A trick I have used to get windsurfer masts apart is to secure one end to a large object like a tree with a low stretch piece of rope several feet long.

Then rapidly pull back on the other piece. The shock created by the rope tighteneing will pull most items apart without breaking them.

Edited by - atgep on 02/08/2005 14:09:10

JimB517
Past Commodore

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USA
3285 Posts

Response Posted - 02/08/2005 : 14:25:41

Funny, just did this Sunday. Put one end in a vise so it can't turn. Put a large, long screwdriver or other metal rod through the jaws at the other end. Pull and twist. This freed one that I thought was junk.

Edited by - on

MattL
Admiral

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USA
990 Posts

Response Posted - 02/08/2005 : 14:58:05

I've seen people get frustrated with the locking mechanism that doesn't work. They somehow disabled it and just use pins in through holes they drilled out. Not infinatly adjustable, but they have holes at the common lengths they use.

Edited by - on

Alan Therrien
Navigator

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USA
113 Posts

Response Posted - 02/08/2005 : 15:56:56

I have not had a problem with my whisker pole seizing in the past five years of use. But I store mine below decks on brackets I installed in the bow and midships near the deck to hull joint. That keeps the salt water out of the pole.

The vinegar should do the trick. A little boat wax should help prevent future fouling. Sounds like you got a good deal anyway.

Edited by - on

PZell
Admiral

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USA
548 Posts

Response Posted - 02/08/2005 : 16:48:26

After vinegar soak you should be able to work it free. The jaws opening goes
down on a whisker pole and it is connected to the sheet not to the sail clew or clew bowline. The lazy sheet can be used as a preventer. Depending on pole, you may want a topping lift. Forespar does not recommend lubricating the mechanism.

Edited by - on

Designwiz
1st Mate

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USA
59 Posts

Response Posted - 02/08/2005 : 17:17:48

Still not real clear as to what stops the forward jaw of the whisker pole from sliding along the sheet. Do you put a knot in the line to hold the jaw close to the clew? To use the "lazy sheet" as a preventer do you need to run it thru a block somewhere near the bow before you run it back to the winch? As you can see I'm still a "deckhand" and still learning all the correct boat talk.

Edited by - on

Derek Crawford
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3321 Posts

Response Posted - 02/08/2005 : 18:04:19

If you put the whisker pole end on one of the bowlines, then it doesn't slide back along the sheet and doesn't need a preventer. If you have a large enough cringle in the clew then you can hook thru' that. If your sheets are secured to the clew by a Cow Hitch (aka Lark's knot) then you need a seizing of both sheets about 6" from the clew to contain the pole end (and it needs to be a substantial seizing as the pressure on it is considerable).
Derek

Edited by - on

aeckhart
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1709 Posts

Response Posted - 02/09/2005 : 11:44:44

The pole doesn't slide on the sheet because of tension. It can be forced along the sheet but will remain in place otherwise.

I installed a topping lift for mine, but I use it with my headsails and, on occasion, with my cruising spinnaker. With the extra length the topping lift helps to level it. I also added a mast track rather than the ring. It too helps in the adjustment process.

Al
GALLIVANT #5801

Edited by - aeckhart on 02/09/2005 11:51:38

PZell
Admiral

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USA
548 Posts

Response Posted - 02/09/2005 : 14:30:08

The lazy sheet can turn around the forward cleat and back to the cockpit. It's not necessary for any special hardware. The reason that the pole end should not be put on the clew or knot at the clew is that in case it's necessary the
sheet can be let fly without the pole hitting and possibly damaging it and/or the forestay.

Edited by - on

Designwiz
1st Mate

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USA
59 Posts

Response Posted - 02/12/2005 : 22:00:05

After soaking in a tray of vineger for four days I still could not get the pole to telescope. Managed to get the pole apart by hooking one end to my trailer hitch and pulling on the other end with a come along. I decided to return it and get a refund because the spring latches on both ends were siezed as well. Often times I sail alone and need to have faith in my equipment. I've decided to buy a new unit the next time I can get a good price on one. Question now is should I get a two piece 6'-12' or a three section 7'-15' Forespar. If I get a 7'-15' will it be long enough for my next boat, most likely a 28 or 30 foot Catalina (of course).

Edited by - on

Ben - FL
Admiral

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880 Posts

Response Posted - 02/12/2005 : 23:02:58

When I was in Home Depot I noticed some telescopic paint roller handles that are fiberglass and are not twist lock but have button locks every six inches. They are considerably cheaper than $275. And B/US had the "jaws" for sale by themselves. I had put a set of jaws on the end of my boat hook and used it. But it went overboard so that is why I am looking at the paint roller extention. I'm too cheap!

Edited by - Ben - FL on 02/12/2005 23:04:32

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