B&Q whisker pole

[TonyS]

It works surprisingly well. Has anyone found a good equally cheap way of attaching it to the spinnaker fitting on the mast or to the clew? of the sail. I tied it to the mast fitting with a bit of rope, for the trial, and stuck the end through the eyelet of the sail. The only problem was I needed a hammer to get it out again. It flexes a bit if you need the thin extension but on a 36' yacht with a 36 sq m genoa it gives at least an extra knot downwind in F4.

 

[Topcat47]

I bought one , but have yet to use it in anger. What sort of fitting do you have on the business end? All the boathook ends I found were too big, although I could wind some gaffer tape round the taper, I suppose.

I tried to scrounge an old end fitting from a dingy spinney pole, but have had no luck so far.

For the mast end, I was considering cutting a slot in it and dropping a cotter through a couple of drilled holes, just to keep it in place. Alternatively taping a Lidl caribiner to it.

 

[TonyS]

As I said I just pushed it through the clew eyelet of the sail. The black end of the pole is tapered and locks in there but getting it out was difficult. I thought some clever practical type might have a better solution. Perhaps I will make a collar so it cannot push through too far. I used it poled right out so it won't fall out!

 

[mick]

Re: B&Q whisker pole

Are B & Q doing chandlery now?

 

[William_H]

Re: B&Q whisker pole

hello Tony. I hope you and Jean are getting in lots of sailing. Howzat is home for the winter.
There are a few ideas that can make a bit of pole usefull. Without fitting expensive fittings.
You can cut a deep slot in the pole end for the jib sheet to slot into with a pin or string to lock it in. I have seen a nylon sheave wheel fitted in the slot to allow for smooth sliding.
Or you can fit a longish spike which goes through the bowline on the sheet rather than the sail clew.
There is no reason why the inside end has to fit onto the spin pole fitting. It can usefully attach to the base of a stanchion or even onto the stay wire. This means shorter pole less bending.

If you want spin pole ends then look at the dinghy type although still dear.

Another idea I have found usefull is to fit another jib sheet on the gunwhale and forward of the normal jib sheeting point. This will pull the clew down and out which is just what you want when reaching and also can hold the jib out when running. The sheets can be lighter and if released with enoiugh slack can be left attached when tacking or jibing. This saves any foredeck work.

good sailing olewill

 

[Strathglass]

Re: B&Q whisker pole dinghy ends

I have three ends I was thinking about puting on ebay.

I could always put them on the for sale forum here.

Now posted here
Iain

 

[TonyS]

Re: B&Q whisker pole

William,
Thanks for those tips. We are both fine and about to set off for S. Brittany for the next few weeks. Regards to Prue.

 

[bluedragon]

As someone in need of a whisker pole, this intrigues me! Do B&Q sell something that can be adapted to the purpose? I assume this relates to an an earlier thread?