whisker pole for shoestring sailors

[charliehows]

picked up a carbon fibre mast from a wind surfer that i,ve converted to use as a whisker pole for my genoa, cost $0, weighs almost nothing, 4.5 metres long, tried it the other day, works like a charm, adds a pretty sizeable percentage of extra power running downwind. Reckon there might be a few of these floating around.

[atoll]

Originally Posted by charliehows

picked up a carbon fibre mast from a wind surfer that i,ve converted to use as a whisker pole for my genoa, cost $0, weighs almost nothing, 4.5 metres long, tried it the other day, works like a charm, adds a pretty sizeable percentage of extra power running downwind. Reckon there might be a few of these floating around.

give it a coat of paint,used one for years but exposed fiber will itch like hell.

i also found bamboo poles very good for poleing out sails,tied a block on at the outboard end for the sheet,and a hitch with a line for securing to the mast eye.
you can leave it set if you also have an uphaul and fore and aft down haul.

[Stumble]

Charlie,

The only problem is that windsurfer masts are designed to be very flexible, wisker poles are not. In light wind it probably doesn't matter, but as the breeze kicks up you may have more flex than you can stand.

[charliehows]

Originally Posted by Stumble

Charlie,

The only problem is that windsurfer masts are designed to be very flexible, wisker poles are not. In light wind it probably doesn't matter, but as the breeze kicks up you may have more flex than you can stand.

genoa will be furled away by then.

[Lakeracer29]

As Atoll said "Paint it" The more UV protection the better. The clear coat that is on it now will help, but a windsurfer is not left out in the elements all day every day. A canvas cover is another good way to protect it while it is hanging out on deck.

[UNCIVILIZED]

I like the windsurfer mast idea. Plus in a pinch, they'd be real easy to stiffen up a LOT via some creativity with cores & skins. Or though their centerlines.