Whisker Pole Storage

[SVRapture40]

I am installing a whisker pole in a couple of weeks and am looking at pole storage methods. I am not putting a track on the mast - just a ring to attach the pole. So I thought I would get a couple of stantion mounts and hang it on my stantions. But $60 each seemed a bit steep for me. So then I came up with the idea of lashing it to the stantions with a couple of velcro straps. Does anyone see any problem with the velcro?

[Orion Jim]

Velcro isn't very strong. Whisker poles are very expensive $120.00 spent on a whisker pole mount for a 40 footer is a bargain.

[Bregts]

We store two tied to the stantions, We only use them on long passages and we mount them on the mast before every departure on st an po side. They are ready to use this way and it's no problem to tie and undo the knot and rope while still at anchor or in the marina. The same on arrival.

If you are racing you want and easy and fast way to store the poles.

[Terra Nova]

TN's is on a mast track. Deck chocks are perhaps best. I wouldn't want it on the rail when green water fell on it. Velcro straps?

[Wotname]

Deck chocks; make them or buy them!
Otherwise lash to stanchions with a bit of left over string (rope / line ).

If you are keen on velcro, then attach one end of pole to mast ring, put the topping lift on the other end, haul vertical and rest against the mast with home made custom chock and use the velcro to secure firm against mast as high as you can reach.

[Terra Nova]

Originally Posted by Wotname

...If you are keen on velcro, then attach one end of pole to mast ring, put the topping lift on the other end, haul vertical and rest against the mast with home made custom chock and use the velcro to secure firm against mast as high as you can reach.

I hope you are not serious. This could be potentially lethal.

[Wotname]

Originally Posted by Terra Nova

I hope you are not serious. This could be potentially lethal.

Err... how so????

Pole is well secured top and bottom (topping lift & ring). Velcro pulls pole against mast chock(s) and stops it rattling around.

So yes, I am (was?) serious...

[GILow]

Our whisker pole, reaching strut and staysail boom were stored attached to the shrouds. In retrospect I would not recommend this as the extra windage was noticeable by its absence when I recently removed them for renovation. Now I store them on deck in wooden chocks.

Matt

[Terra Nova]

Wot--I'm seeing the bottom ring around crotch high. So if the chock and Velcro are reach-high, there's an enormous length of pole above that which is unsupported. That's where the track comes in, providing support for the upper end of the pole.

Except perhaps on a very small boat, I think a Velcro strap isn't enough security, for safety reasons. Twice, as crew, I've seen serious head injuries, one having to be evacuated and the other requiring life saving surgery.

[Uncle Bob]

Originally Posted by Terra Nova

Wot--I'm seeing the bottom ring around crotch high. So if the chock and Velcro are reach-high, there's an enormous length of pole above that which is unsupported. That's where the track comes in, providing support for the upper end of the pole.

Except perhaps on a very small boat, I think a Velcro strap isn't enough security, for safety reasons. Twice, as crew, I've seen serious head injuries, one having to be evacuated and the other requiring life saving surgery.

Ahh did you miss the bit about the topping lift attached at the end and pulled tight to the mast, velcro only stops the rattle.

[SVRapture40]

Well I did some more searching and got the cost down closer to $100 for the stantion mounts. So that is what I did. The more I thought about it, the more I realized the ease of use and security of the stantion mounts was well worth $100.

Thanks everyone!!!