I've a cunning plan

[Brian_B]

I\'ve a cunning plan

I'm thinking of using my spinnaker pole as a bowsprit to fly a cruising chute to move it forward of the pulpit. It should be possible with a deck fitting and attachment to the bow roller.
What do you think of the idea? Have any of you already tried this?

 

[Jonny_H]

Re: I\'ve a cunning plan

The Dehler 37 Cruising uses a simalar system. There is an attachment point on the deck, and a 'hoop' welded into the pulpit for the pole to pass through. Its meant to work well ... would be interesting to hear from anyone who's used it?

 

[fireball]

Re: I\'ve a cunning plan

I'd be wary about putting a kink in the spinny pole - be careful about how far you push it out and load it up... the pole is designed to work in compression.

 

[Brian_B]

Re: I\'ve a cunning plan

Very good point. It could prove to be an embarrassing experiment!

 

[Swagman]

Re: I\'ve a cunning plan

S'not a new plan, I'm afraid.
The IAC yachts have done this for years as they were prohibited from carrying a bowsprit - but on a regualr yacht suspect you'd need to extend the pole track further down the mast and obviously enure the bow fitting was stronger than say your pulpit.
Cheers
JOHN

 

[Lakesailor]

Re: I\'ve a cunning plan

How about a bobstay?
The spinny pole would only be under compression then.

 

[William_H]

Re: I\'ve a cunning plan

As suggested it all depends on how far out the pole is working unsupported. A couple of feet should be no problem in gentle conditions. Beyond that you should consider staying the pole end both sideways and downwards. A dedicated short pole or similar fitting might be more tidy. olewill

 

[overstag]

Re: I\'ve a cunning plan

Looks like the swedes from Selden also thought of this:

http://www.seldenmast.com/page.cfm?id=5581

 

[rudolph_hart]

Re: I\'ve a cunning plan

I have this system on my Dehler 35CWS. As the rig is 7/8th, it works well with masthead cruising chute, by getting the sail further forward of the forestay. I belive its standard kit on the 35 & 37 (not sure about the others).

 

[Hermit]

Re: I\'ve a cunning plan

Don't do it - my pole is now in two pieces after having exactly the same cunning plan. Light (ish) wind and only a couple of feet protruding unsupported!
And yes, it is embarrassing when it goes wrong!

 

[Swanrad2]

Re: I\'ve a cunning plan

Scaffolding pipe, cheaper, stronger and erm cheaper, may rusta bit

 

[Searush]

Re: I\'ve a cunning plan

Why not just get a nice lump of pine from your local builder's merchant. No knots & nice & straight, Then get stuck in with a plane/ spoke shave to round it off & taper the ends. It will look a treat with a bit of varnish & a couple of suitable end fittings. Excellent winter project & you have a spare spinnaker pole or can goosewing Genoa & Cruising chute.