Spinnaker Pole

DropTop · #1 (**permalink**) 08-25-2009

Not sure if this is the correct board for this, but I'm looking for a (used?) spinnaker pole for my 27' Hunter.

I was recently gifted an older symmetrical spinnaker, still in good shape (wasn't used much), with nothing more then the turtle bag.

I don't race the boat (against other boats, I'm always racing against myself as I'm sure we all do), and I'm not worried about a few extra pounds here or there so I don't need a pricey carbon fiber pole to cut weight (but wouldn't say no to a cheap one).

Not looking to spend a ton of $ here (West Marine quoted me poles in the $1,500 range...)

I live on western Long Island Sound on the Connecticut side, but can easily get to about anywhere around this area, including Long Island, to pick it up.

DwayneSpeer · #2 (**permalink**) 08-25-2009

I have a 16 foot long 4 inch dia aluminum pole that I'll let go for a song.... but it's a bit far from Long Island and it's a bit too big for your boat.

14432 · #3 (**permalink**) 08-25-2009

I bet that you can find a marine consignment shop or used parts dealer nearby. Probably best to be able to pick it up as anything over 6' long will likely be expensive to ship. A quick Google of "marine consignment long island" resulted in one in Hartford and one in Hampton.

AWEllis3 · #4 (**permalink**) 08-27-2009

If you want to go cheap, make one out of bamboo. If you're not racing, you won't be using it in weather it can't handle, and a pole of 2" diameter can handle a lot.

DropTop · #5 (**permalink**) 08-27-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by DwayneSpeer

I have a 16 foot long 4 inch dia aluminum pole that I'll let go for a song.... but it's a bit far from Long Island and it's a bit too big for your boat.

I could always cut it down, but shipping would still suck, that would have to go freight

I'll do some digging for consignment stores, but in the mean time, Has anyone here ever actually used a bamboo pole? that sounds a little iffy to me.

DropTop · #6 (**permalink**) 08-27-2009

followed one of the ads on this page and after a little digging, I found this...

edit: sailnet store has it cheaper then the link I originally posted (and might as well support the comminuty), here's the updated link.
Forespar - MINI-7 SPINNAKER POLE KIT Shop.Sailnet.com - sailing resources, shopping, sail, blogs

has anyone had experience with this small of a pole, will it hold up for normal weekend cruising on the sound?

14432 · #7 (**permalink**) 08-27-2009

This product description appears to be a reaching strut and not a spinnaker pole. If so, this is not what you want. May be worth a call - the website is a little "lacking" in some areas.

JimsCAL · #8 (**permalink**) 08-27-2009

Probably too small (short). Your cheapest route would be to find a used pole that might be a bit long and cut it down to size. Do you know what length you need? And what about the rest of the gear- pole topping lift, spinnaker halyard, guys, etc.?

AWEllis3 · #9 (**permalink**) 08-27-2009

I've used bamboo as a whisker pile for my genoa. I only use it going downwind.