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Whisker pole & spinnaker pole dimensions

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C250DBYC
Deckhand

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Australia
4 Posts

Initially Posted - 03/08/2016 : 21:16:04

I have C250WB hull number 1014 in its 3rd sailing season. Basically used for cruising on Geographe Bay, Western Australia and in the odd Club event. I would like some advice on tube diameters and overall lengths for whisker & spinnaker poles. My rig is "standard" latest Selden mast, boom & rigging. End fittings and tubing are available locally. The furler-Genoa is 135%.

I note forum articles about the twin ball keel retrieval tube and because my vessel is kept on an Ocean mooring from October through to end of April annually I have found that if the keel is left down when moored that the retrieval line is very prone to fraying and eventually parting.
I now withdraw the tube annually on the trailer, check the line condition and reinsert the tube with a light coating of silicone grease. The bottom roller sheave is phosphor bronze or similar riding on a stainless steel pin within the stainless steel tube. This rig is very susceptible to electrolytic corrosion in salt water and I did suggest to Catalina Direct some time ago that the lower ball sheave would be better if turned from marine grade stainless - no reply was received.
Any information as requested would be appreciated along with any rigging suggestions.
Very best regards,
James Major - Dunsborough Bay Yacht Club

JTM

Steve Milby
Past Commodore

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USA
5851 Posts

Response Posted - 03/09/2016 : 06:54:06

The spinnaker pole should be no longer than 9.0 ft. in length. The length of the spinnaker pole should be the length of the boat's "J" measurement. The C250's J measurement is 9.0 ft. In the US, that limitation is for two reasons. The organization that regulates our racing is PHRF, and PHRF limits the length of the spinnaker pole to the length of the boat's "J." Secondly, if the pole is longer than the boat's J, it will be difficult to do a dip pole gybe. So, regardless of whether you race, the pole will be most functional if it's length is limited to the length of the J.

In the US, PHRF rules also limit the length of a whisker pole to the length of the boat's "J" measurement. I don't know if you intend to race, or if the organization that regulates your racing limits the length of the whisker pole. If you intend to race, your whisker pole will be governed by your racing rules. If you don't race, then a whisker pole should be long enough to spread out your biggest headsail as far as possible.

Forespar recommends their UXP-250-UXP spinnaker pole and HD 7-15 whisker pole for the C250.

The pole diameter for the spinnaker pole is 2.5". I don't know the wall thickness. That pole is 11.6 ft long, and has to be cut down to 9.0 ft.

The pole diameter for the HD 7-15 is 2.0". It's a telescoping pole, so one of it's parts has to be able to fit inside the other. You might be able to find more detailed specs by searching the internet for the specifications of these two model numbers. Under our PHRF rules, you can use a pole that will extend beyond the prescribed length, but you have to mark the pole so that others can see that it is only being extended to the prescribed limit.

Welcome to the forum!

Steve Milby J/24 "Captiva Wind"
previously C&C 35, Cal 25, C25 TR/FK, C22
Past Commodore

Edited by - Steve Milby on 03/09/2016 08:33:16

TakeFive
Master Marine Consultant

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2269 Posts

Response Posted - 03/09/2016 : 08:11:50

FWIW, I was unwilling to pay the price for a new HD 7-15 whisker pole, and unable to find a used one. Since I only have a 110, I decided to take a chance on a smaller/less expensive pole, and I found a Forespar #406100 on sale at West Marine for ~$100 with coupon. I figured I would eat the $100 if I didn't like it.

It telescopes 6'-12', which is plenty long. In fact, I have not used it anywhere near its full length. I typically adjust it to about 8' to allow me to gybe without removing it. (I drew a line to mark the proper length.) I'm on a river, so I gybe a lot! Even at the shorter length, it makes a huge difference vs. no pole at all.

One other important note: I only use it in light winds, since that's when it's needed most. Heavier winds I have enough power from main alone, or fall off a bit from DDW to keep the unpoled headsail full.

This pole is very sturdy at 8' because you've got double tubes through its midpoint. If you were to use it fully extended, in high winds, and accidentally backwind your headsail, it would probably buckle and might then poke a hole in your headsail. But if you avoid those conditions, it is a nice, lightweight, easy to stow, and much less expensive option.

Rick S., Swarthmore, PA
PO of Take Five, 1998 Catalina 250WK #348 (relocated to Baltimore's Inner Harbor)
New owner of 2001 Catalina 34MkII #1535 Breakin' Away (at Rock Hall Landing Marina)

Edited by - TakeFive on 03/09/2016 08:15:14

C250DBYC
Deckhand

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Australia
4 Posts

Response Posted - 03/09/2016 : 22:13:38

Hi Steve & TakeFive, Many thanks for the info gents. I am actually member but signed on at the wrong place!
Just shows what happens to a retired Master Mariner?
Best regards,
Jim Major

JTM

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Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.