Whisker pole recommended for PSC 37?

[valis]

For what it's worth, we have a deck-mount for one pole, and keep the other on the mast. The deck-mount is dimensioned to fit the spin pole, but since the whisker can be collapsed to spin-pole length, either pole can go in either place.

The deck-mount hardware and pole are certainly foot-hazards, but we've learned to step around this stuff.

[orientalnc2010]

The storage options for the pole are worth discussing. I have opted for the mast mount version for my LC 12-22 UTS/UTR . The UTS end is designed for use with a toggle car for the track. Since my wife and I usually sail the boat alone I thought this would be a good option since I will be handling the pole solo. If it's easy to deploy then I will use it more often.
I don't like adding weight and windage to the mast but decided this was a good trade off for a couple sailing a moderately heavy displacement cruising boat.
I have no experience to share in regards using the mast mounted system as I am in the process of installing it. It looks like lots of cruisers like this system.
Maybe some sailors that use this set up can weigh-in on the subject.

[tdw]

Thanks for that Bill.

I'm thinking that if we go Whisker then I'll junk the Spinnaker pole altogether as we don't use, indeed don't possess a Spinnaker only an Assy. SPole is only used for poling out the genoa, a task for which the whisker is probably more suited. That way I can use existing track on the mast.

[Brent Swain]

You see people in the Marquesas with very expensive boats, looking for bamboo to pole their jib out, because they didn't consider it that important before heading out. Many such regrets.
I use 1 1/2 inch or 2 inch sch 40 aluminium pipe from the scrapyard at $2 a pound. Never had one fail. It's commonly used for scaffolding.

[teejayevans]

Originally Posted by orientalnc2010

I have no experience to share in regards using the mast mounted system as I am in the process of installing it. It looks like lots of cruisers like this system.
Maybe some sailors that use this set up can weigh-in on the subject.

Same boat, same setup and it works well, there isn't enough space to mount it on deck IMO. As a singlehander I was concerned about being able to control it while rigging it (1 hand for yourself, 1 for the ship). I still don't bother to deploy it unless I'm offshore.
Tom

[DaveMancini]

We deck mount the pole. If the pole is mast mounted and the rig goes over the side, there goes your jury rig. This would not apply if most of your sailing is inland, coastwise or speed of deployment is more important, but if you cross oceans, it's something to think about.

Dave Mancini
PSC 34 #305 "Swan"

[sck5]

I have mine on the stanchions in rubber chocks. Keeps it off the deck and mast. Has worked well.

Sail Stanchion Mounted Pole Chock

[ralopata]

Our boat, JUNO, is a PSC 40 not a 37, but we opted for a mast-mounted line control 50/50 (aluminum/carbon) pole. Here was our thinking. That pole is a lot of weight and length for one person (we cruise as a couple) to be fumbling and stumbling with on a rolling deck. With one end anchored to the mast and the other controlled by an "uphaul," it is much easier to rig -- and therefore 1) safer and 2) more likely to be used. And, yes, we use it and like it very much. The 50/50 saves some weight over the aluminum, which also eases handling (also less weight aloft, I suppose). All carbon might be even better, but it is pricey.

One last thought: be sure to size your pole properly. There's a big difference between a working jib and a 140% genoa (not only would the pole need to be longer, but it would be bearing a much heavier load, as well). On JUNO, with a 120% genoa (J=18.5), we use the 13-24 pole.

Roger Lopata
JUNO
PSC 40 -- #46