Cheap Spinnaker/Whisker Pole

gandy

gandy

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Hi,

Our boat (Westerly Griffon) is not rigged for proper spinnaker (yet) but I am a great fan of poled-out genoa. I'm guessing that a pole long enough to pole-out a 135% genoa is going to be longer than I'd use for a spinnaker, but doesn't need to be so strong or stiff. I reckon it would need to be around 12-13 feet long.

So .. first thought is where could I get a cheap whisker pole. Second problem is to work out the length. For the Wayfarer I found some suitable clear Spruce (knot free), made it the max length allowed by class rules, then shortened it a bit. I don't think that is going to be practical this time.

Any ideas for cheap source of suitable tubing? TV aerial masts was a thought, but the don't seem to be available long enough?

The "money-no-object" solution is a Selden telescopic pole, strong enough for future spinnaker duty, but can be extended for poling out. Short of crime, any ideas how something like that could be obtained on the cheap? (some hope)

Thanks in advance.

Tony S
 
A whisker pole is usually about 1.25 J whereas a spinnaker pole is about equal to J.

A whisker pole can be somewhat lighter than a spinnaker pole but beware of making it too light. A friend made a light pole for his Golden Hind and it just folded in half the first time he tried it!!

A telescopic spinnaker pole would serve both purposes so if you anticipate graduating to a spinnaker in due course it could be a cheaper option in the long run.

Btw the safe way of using a whisker pole is to set it up with all the spinnaker pole gear on the windward side and using a spinnaker sheet gybe the genoa across to the pole. That avoids that balancing act on the foredeck with the pole in one hand the clew of the sail in the other while you hang on with ????? Whoops, splash !
 
I don't understand this concept that whisker pole needs to be longer than a spin pole. I occasioally use my spin pole as a whisker pole but find it too long.
I guess it depends on which jib you are using. Presumably however if you have furling jib you would unroll all of it but even so are you try ing to hold the clew out as far as possible or just enough to make the jib set in a stable manner? My spin pole is certainly too long for smaller jibs and really too long for genoa (fractionnal rig boat).
I rather prefer just enough to make the jib set.
A short whisker pole can be used to make the jib more efficient on a beam reach if used in conjunction with a down haul line to pull the clew down so get the top of the jib working well.
So if I were you I would try a shorter pole and decide if you really want longer. Windsurfer masts are great being light and strong. You can cut them shorter or get a broken mast. I use a broken carbon fibre one for spin pole about 10 ft long on a 21fter. and it is great although bends a bit.
Other material I have used is a broken dinghy tubular mast and of course aluminium tube is not that expensive from an Al supplier.
good luck olewill
 
I went down to grafham water and got a carbon fibre windsurfer mast with a broken foot. I got Sailspars of Brightlingsea to turn me up a spinnaker pole end to fit the big end of the pole and a sleeve to go on the outside. Fille dthe bottom with a plug of wood and drilled and bolted the assembly toether with lots of RTV filling the gaps. the small end was filled with a spike set in a bit of nylon also made up by Sailspar and pop riveted on. Result an ultra light whisker pole that a seven year old can fit. Cost of pole £5 in the RNLI box, ends from Sailspar about £70 as I remember plus a little varnish to finish off.

It's worked pefectly for about five years now and I'd recomend it to anyone as long as you have the ends connetced together with a bit of string it doen't matter if you break it I've got a spare bare pole just raring to go with transplant of the bits.
 
A telescopic pole will never take the compresssion loads from a spinnaker, unless very stout and heavy.
 
Aluminium scaffolding pole is a strong and light possibility, easy to get for a couple of beers - just visit your local building site. Most scaffolding is galvanised steel but a word with the scaffolder and the promise of a few beers is almost certain to bring forth a suitable length of aluminium.

Next problem would be end fittings, standard scaffolding is 40mm ID and 49mm OD so I am not sure if end fittings are easy to come by in those sizes but probably not too difficult to modify something.

Hope that helps,

Chris
 
Z Spars do a 'kit' where you buy all the fittings you want and a length of tube, and it comes in a handy 12ft package through the post. You assemble it yoursalf.
I agree that 1.25L is a bit long, thats what I did at first. Anyone want a bit of 2ft Spinnaker Pole tube?
It wasnt huge money, less then 100 quid, and you get to pick the right section for the size of boat.
 
Re: length of Spinnaker/Whisker Pole

I guess it depends on how much your headsail overlaps. I use the spinnaker pole to pole out both the No.1 genny and the jib. With the jib it means that the sheet is actually headed outboard towards the pole end, whereas the genny has the clew at the pole end, but both set better than without the pole.
 
I see your other hobby is hang-gliding. I would've thought some suppliers or makers would have had the sort of light, strong pole that you need, if you have mags to scour.
If you'de been a bit further south I would've suggested visiting an aluminium stockholder. You'll be spoilt for choice. Although maybe someone oil industry inclined up there may stock ally tube.
 
[ QUOTE ]
A telescopic pole will never take the compresssion loads from a spinnaker, unless very stout and heavy.

[/ QUOTE ] Yes you are right. I thought I had seen telescopic poles that were suitable for use ase spinnaker poles but I was wrong they were just whisker poles.

Regarding the length. 1.25J is probably what you would need for a big overlapping genoa. My own pole started off faily long and I kept cutting it down until it ended up at about equal to J. I often wish I had left it just a bit longer. If you are making one then the way to do it is to start off at the maximum length that is likely to be useful and progressively shorten it until it is right, but be wary of taking that last bit too much off. If you start with a short one you can't easily lengthen it if it is too short.
 
Cheers guys. I'm quite happy with adapting tube and fittings to suit each other so it won't be a problem if the diameters aren't exact matches.

Regarding length, I like to get the genoa right out for a run or near run, to get all the sail area projected out. I need to measure the foot of the Griffon's sail but I reckon it may need 14ft to get the same effect. We have a proper pole lift, but no foreguy or downhaul yet (less of an issue for a whisker pole).

Tony S
 
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