Spinnaker Poles...Why so Expensive?

[rhr1956]

I need a pole 11' 6" and as I shop around I've contracted a serious case of sticker shock. A basic aluminum pole rig sells for $700 or more in the size I need. The prices I'm seeing don't seem justified. I have decided I'm going to have to make one myself. I think I can make one for about 1/2 the price. Am I missing something here?

[Pete7]

Your having a laugh surely, $700 for a 11ft pole

I can't understand why these and liferafts are so expensive in the US. Can I suggest you make one for a 1/4 of the price using a former windsurfer mast as the start point. If you can find a dinghy pole with end fittings it will give you lots of options. E bay is another source.

Pete

[Blue Stocking]

Because over here on our side of the world we are unlikely to buy a second one in the time we own the boat.
Over on Pete's side, with typical conditions, he will probably need at least two. Eh, Pete?

[rhr1956]

FP304006 FP304106 UTR-250-UTR 15 11' 6"
ULTRA Trigger fitting both ends

$665 at aps

[SVTwilight]

Originally Posted by rhr1956

I need a pole 11' 6" and as I shop around I've contracted a serious case of sticker shock. A basic aluminum pole rig sells for $700 or more in the size I need. The prices I'm seeing don't seem justified. I have decided I'm going to have to make one myself. I think I can make one for about 1/2 the price. Am I missing something here?

I have also found that these things seem to cost far more than even a seasoned boater would expect. I just recently looked into this for a 16 ft pole with 3.5in tube and it was around $900 and to build one I would have to put it together and still spend over $700. I ended up buying a used one at a consignment store in RI for $400 that is old but strong and in great shape. I will soon be in great shape from hoisting its 35 lbs.

For your length the tubing and ends would be less, but not super cheap, I am guessing around $4-500. Make certain you get marine grade aluminum tube, Forespar and others normally use 6061 or 6063, which I have read are about the same as far as sailors would be concerned... YMMV

Todd

[Sabbatical II]

Originally Posted by rhr1956

I need a pole 11' 6" and as I shop around I've contracted a serious case of sticker shock. A basic aluminum pole rig sells for $700 or more in the size I need. The prices I'm seeing don't seem justified. I have decided I'm going to have to make one myself. I think I can make one for about 1/2 the price. Am I missing something here?

I've just been quoted $2400 + 10% GST for a new mast mounted pole in Australia for a 42' boat. Does that make you feel better?

[Pete7]

I am not sure I can post this link

Z Spars UK - Spinnaker Poles



Pete

[Boracay]

Yous have clearly never walked 10 miles in the snow barefoot to get to school.

Checkout the price for one spinnaker pole end.

[Pete7]

There has to be a good business opportunity somewhere in this.

Pete

[barnakiel]

We bought 2 new ends in kiwiland, they came at 50 USD each or thereabout (alloy cast, ss bolt). The tube down here comes at 50 USD per 3ft. Hence a pole would come at around 300-350 USD at 11'.

The challenge is how to buy less than one extrusion's length from those local guys.

b.

[rusky]

Originally Posted by barnakiel

We bought 2 new ends in kiwiland, they came at 50 USD each or thereabout (alloy cast, ss bolt). The tube down here comes at 50 USD per 3ft. Hence a pole would come at around 300-350 USD at 11'.

The challenge is how to buy less than one extrusion's length from those local guys.

b.

Absolutely,
Its usually the pole that needs replacing so keep the ends OK or find them cheap.

I stupidly wound the sheet on too much and put the pole across a stay. At the next marina, I went to buy some aluminium to replace it. I was asked "how did you bend the pole?". Naturally, I replied that there was quite a breeze blowing, just enough to bend the pole! Unfortunately, they believed me and I had to explain how daft I was.

[TeddyDiver]

Just wondering why you don't take soft wood spar, some uniglass and epoxy and fasten to end pieces... ?? Anyway $700 is more what I'm planning to use for two masts, gaffs, some spars and a boomsprit.

[bigpuff]

I used a leangth of bamboo,found on a beach in malaka for six years,2 s/s bolts epoxed in the ends,some bugger stole it in darwin

[forsailbyowner]

Ive rigged a few for very little. At one time I was using a stout piece of pipe purchased from a local salvage yard for $7 a lb. for the ends I used eyebolts on either end with a block on one end. The other end was fastened to a line that ran from the mast to a cleat on the bow. To deploy I would attach the inboard end, run a line with a snap shackle to the sheet then draw it up with the mast winch. It worked quite well without struggle.

[dandrews]

Current issue of Good Old Boat has an article on a DIY pole using a good quality paint roller extension.

Don