[Rhodes22-list] Whisker Pole Recommendations

[Roger Pihlaja]

A couple of days ago, somebody asked for recommendations regarding a whisker pole:

With a whisker pole, you have specify the length, the load rating, and the
end fittings on each of the pole.  On Dynamic Equilibrium, we use a Forespar
M/N: HD 6-12-DL heavy duty, twist lock, telescoping whisker pole.  This pole
has two telescoping sections extending from 79 inches to 138 inches length.
The outer tube is 1.875 inch OD.  The end fittings on both ends of the pole
are Forespar type "EL" self latching.  Don't get anything lighter duty or
your genoa will fold it half!

This pole is too long to fit under the cockpit seats.  It can be stored in the cabin.

Since Dynamic Equilibrium is rigged to fly both triradial & cruising spinnakers, 
I routinely carry both a spinnaker pole and a whisker pole.

The following two links show my spinnaker pole and my whisker pole stowed on
the foredeck:

http://www.rhodes22.org/rhodes/pics/Roller_Furling.jpg
http://www.rhodes22.org/rhodes/pics/Family_On_Boat.jpg

The 1st picture is an annotated close-up which shows the spinnaker pole &
the whisker pole storage arrangement at the bow.  The spinnaker pole is
stored in a Forespar M/N 30002 aluminum chock.  The whisker pole is stored
in a Schaffer M/N 97-42 HD cast stainless steel padeye.

The 2nd picture shows the storage solution for both poles from a wider
angle.  The inboard end of the spinnaker pole is stowed in a 2nd Forespar
M/N 30002 aluminum chock mounted up on top of the cabin just forward & to
port of the mast.  The inboard end of the whisker pole stows on the ring on
the sliding car on the front of the mast.  I have the track on the front of
the mast designed such that; when the car is slid down to the bottom of the
track, the whisker pole clears the front corner of the cabin top and
can be latched onto the HD padeye at the bow for storage.  In the 2nd picture,
you can see the whisker pole angling up to the mast just behind my knees.  
This storage arrangement puts both poles mounted down low for minimum
center of gravity, no fouling of sheets & sails during a tack, and minimal
windage.  In addition, this storage arrangement provides a HD, large
diameter handhold, mounted down low, suitable for hanging onto while 
crawling, right on the centerline of the foredeck.  This arrangement is 
very useful when one must go forward in heavy conditions.

Also in the 2nd picture, if you look up the mast about 18 inches below the
spreaders, you will see another fixed ring on the front of the mast.  This
fixed ring is designed to work with the sliding ring on the track.  When the
sliding car is moved to the bottom of the track, the spinnaker pole fits
exactly between the two rings.  Of course, the whisker pole is telescoping
and can be adjusted to snap onto both rings at the same time.  Thus, both
poles can be stored vertically against the mast.  I don't normally sail that
way because of the windage and extra weight aloft.  But, this method of
storage is useful while at anchor or a dock because it clears the foredeck
of tripping hazards.

I've been sailing with this spinnaker and whisker pole storage arrangement
for quite a long time.  The two attached pictures were taken in 1994.  
Daniel and Gary were 11 and 8 years old, respectively.  Those two little 
boys are now 21 and 18 years old.  Both of them are now a couple inches 
taller than me.

Roger Pihlaja
S/V Dynamic Equilibrium