Whisker Pole Question

[DaBod]

I apologize for my ignorance here, and also apologize if this has been covered before. I've searched the forum and the web extensively and can't seem to find the answer...

I've noticed that the inboard end of the whisker pole I have has two attachment points (in addition to the jaws for the mast eye). The outboard end has an attachment point for a topping lift, but what else would attach to the inboard end at the mast?

[Jimbo485]

Uphaul and downhaul.
If you have a track on the mast.

[DaBod]

Thank you!

The mast eye is actually on a track, so if I were to use those would I free the car on that track and then use the uphaul/downhaul to adjust the inboard height?

[Jimbo485]

Yes, you are correct!

[DaBod]

Thank you very much for the quick responses!

[roverhi]

The mast control tackle, up and downhaul, are usually attached to the car, not the pole. The bails cast into the pole ends are a case of one size fits all. The pole ends are universal for outboard and inboard ends unless you have a bayonet car fitting with its socket car fitting for pole. It's fairly common to use an end for end swap of the pole for jibing the spinnaker so have to have the same hardware at each end.

[Blue Stocking]

Roverhi is correct in his comment of "end for end" the pole for jibing on some boats. We go the other route, and "dip the pole" for jibing. This requires that we raise the mast end of the pole to swing the outboard end under the headstay. Therefore, and and down lines on the pole at the mast car. Just make sure that your jib sheets are out of the way for the "dip".