what is this pole?

[sepharad]

I am embarrassed to have to ask this, but what is the upright pole attached to the front of this Kemp Reefin' + furling mast?

A spinnaker pole left in place?
Something to do with the cutter rig?

[sailormed]

Stored spinaker pole.

[sepharad]

Thank you. Is it typical to see them stowed that way?

[chrisr]

not typical...but reasonably common

cheers,

[dksail]

Could be a whisker pole. More likely on a boat like that. Very common to store them on the mast.

[Scubaseas]

Looks like a line control whisker pole. Don't use it as a spinnaker pole. Fairly common to store spinnaker or whisker pole on the mast.

[gregcrowner]

Had one mounted there with a quick release on my Pearson 35, used it to pry the boat off a mudbank a few times here in Florida.

[sepharad]

So why I am so clueless? I bought the boat three years ago and it has spent the entire time trapped in another country. It just had the rig put up and I have yet to sail it. I did not see a sail bag marked Spinnaker. I am now reading up on Whisker Poles. Thank you all. I may get to go and see the boat next week. Thank you all for your help.

[sail sfbay]

A spinnaker pole left in place.

[Stu Jackson]

Originally Posted by sepharad

So why I am so clueless? I bought the boat three years ago and it has spent the entire time trapped in another country. It just had the rig put up and I have yet to sail it. I did not see a sail bag marked Spinnaker. I am now reading up on Whisker Poles. Thank you all. I may get to go and see the boat next week. Thank you all for your help.

Ah, we all started out somewhere. I have yet to find someone who was born with it all, although I'm sure many of us have met people who think they did! My response to those guys is "You've lived an awfully long time, then, haven't ye, to give you time to lose so much of it?"


As you learn, you'll find the difference between a spinnaker pole and a whisker pole, usually based on strength of the pole itself, as well as the end fittings. That said, some folks bought spinnaker poles but don't have that sail and use it for a whisker pole.


Also, you'll learn the advantages and disadvantages of the two mounting options. My mast mount pole's disadvantage: the end fitting at the bottom started freezing up, 'cuz it's a ss pin in an aluminum socket, dissimilar metals to have to be careful with. From saltwater spray on it across the deck while mounted.


Nice boat, glad you can get back to her.

[PineyWoodsPete]

Originally Posted by sail sfbay

A spinnaker pole left in place.

And the red line it's topping lift.

[Gary Matthesen]

Stu, a nephew of mine, on his first boat, was saying about a friend I brought along, how he appreciates how he is patient helping him and teaching him without making him feel like a total ass. I had that feeling about how you replied to a new owner about a spinnaker/whisker pole. I believe its important that us more experienced, but old farts, treat all questions with respect, as you did. The younger ones will remember that and if we are lucky, they take us sailing when we cant anymore.