[Rhodes22-list] Whisker Pole Recommendations

[SVGravityLeak at aol.com]

I use the same Forespar pole as Roger.  However, I'm a proponent of a clear 
foredeck.  If I need to go up front in heavy weather, I'd rather hold onto jack 
lines which are designed for the purpose and I am less likely to trip over.  
Also, I only use the whisker pool in lighter air when the pop top is up.

My pole is mounted on front of the IMF mast using the black plastic brackets 
provided by Forespar.  To use the pole, I stand in the cabin with the pop top 
up and tug a release line attached to the upper latch (there's a hole for the 
line designed into the latch).  For temporary storage until I feel like going 
forward, the pole will lie on the settee under the backrest cushions.

Fred

In a message dated 10/2/04 5:32:17 PM Eastern Daylight Time, 
cen09402 at centurytel.net writes:

> 
> 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
>