Whisker Pole Size

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dmotter
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Joined: 10/27/08
Posts: 16
Whisker Pole Size

What length and diameter of whisker pole is everyone using? I have a 140% genoa, probably will go with a larger head sail when the boat fund recovers again. Right now, I don't have a pole on board, so any suggestions would be appreciated.

Dave Motter
Sweet Sue II
Hull #177
Everett, WA.

jmontani
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Joined: 7/19/07
Posts: 143

On my MKII I have a 145 and I am using a Forespar 12/22 (fairly certain) Alum line control. I will verify the leangth.

This is right on the edge for this boat but I slightly under sized it for 2 reasons...
1. I can dip the pole in light air without detaching it from the mast. It clears the drum by a few inches. This was the largest pole I could get and still be able to dip it.
2. The next size up was an additional 10 pounds unless you buy carbon fiber (twice the price of alum at the time). This pretty much rules out a solo set.

I put it on in 2003 and have used it mainly for racing ever since. I went with a T-Track and Spin Pole Slide 1.25inch config on the front of the mast and left the top open to remove the car when it is not in use. This also allowed me to keep from altering my main sail cover. (Be sure to file the corners on the top of the track so it won't take a bite out of the sail on the up wind tacks.)

If it is blowing 20+ the pole stays down. For safety reasons and I found that by the time my crew wrestles it up and down in heavy air, we are better off sailing dead down wind than the time spent setting and using the pole. One mis-hap at the leward mark and it would cost us several minutes of time to correct the situation.

Lastly I used the stanchion mounts so I didn't need to put holes in the deck. Also it it is one less thing to trip over when moving about.

Just my thoughts...

Jack
Solstice
Hull #1598
1996 MKII/TR/FK - M35AC - 3 Blade MaxProp
Lake Texoma

www.texomasailing.org

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Steve Frost
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Joined: 12/14/07
Posts: 788

Dave

Your info does not state where you are located but, I did note someone on San Francisco Bay Aera Craigs List had a post today April 8th for a spinnaker pole for a C36 for $350 in Berkley. This could be a bargin if you are local. If you are in Poughkipsee not so good.

Cepheus dream
C36 MK I # 825
MK I Tech Editor No Mas

dmotter
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Joined: 10/27/08
Posts: 16

Steve,

I'm in Washington state, Puget Sound area. The poles listed in the major catalogs go for $1200 to $1400 (non-carbon of course), so it may be worth the drive to S.F. Bay area!!

I'll keep watching locally for a pole. The boat really sails pretty well without one, but I could probably get some more speed out of her on those light air days.

Dave Motter
Sweet Sue II
Hull #177
Everett, WA.

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mutualfun
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Joined: 6/25/07
Posts: 454

Was up to our boat this weekend and looked at our wisker pole. It is a Amco. 2-1/2 inch dia.outside pole and inner pole is 2 inch inside pole dia. 12 foot long. I am guessing it probably same as Jack's 12/22 forespar. Hope this helps.

Randy

Randy Sherwood
Mutualfun 1990 # 1057
T/R W/K M35a
Home. Charlotte, Mi.
Boat. St Augustine,Fl.

07mcoupe
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Joined: 3/3/09
Posts: 13

Pole in SF bay is sold :-( I missed out on it too!

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Steve Frost
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Joined: 12/14/07
Posts: 788

Dave

You may want to check with Minneys Yacht Surplus [url]WWW.MINNEYSYACHTSURPLUS.COM[/url]. They have brand new Forespar 13' poles for $295. 10' for $195.

Their phone number is 949-548-4192, you could probably talk one of our Southern California Bretheren, into going there, I bet they would go check the item out before you commit to it. This is a place that would be on my list to visit it I found myself the LA area.

Cepheus dream
C36 MK I # 825
MK I Tech Editor No Mas

cillman
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Joined: 12/22/07
Posts: 30

Dave - With your 140, I think you're going to want to pole it out 18-20 feet from the mast. I probably get my 135 out about 17-18 feet on my C34.

Craig

Craig Illman, Seattle
S/V Espresso C34 #1150 1991

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