BLUEMOMENT

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Running dead downwind in 6-8 knots of breeze today I poled out the genny using a boathook and fastened said boathook to one of the shrouds with a bungee. Brilliant result - sailed for three hours with no problems at all, didn't have to touch it. It also worked well when I gybed the main and we went onto a broad reach with both sails out the same side. We now have a whisker pole!

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- Nick

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We've done that before as well. I got a bit worried in the gusts in case the shroud was put under too much strain.
Got a proper spinney pole now which whiskers a treat.

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Just because you're paranoid
doesn't mean they're not out to get you.

Our boathook is made from a paint roller extension pole from Wickes with a nylon boathook fitting screwed to the end. The outer tube is GRP and the inner is aluminium alloy, it's very strong & light and extends to about 8 foot so we can use it as a whisker pole off the mast. Here's the link http://www.wickes.co.uk/invt/607340 B&Q stock them too.

Does it float? That's my main requirement for a boathook. I am tempted to put wrist ropes on mine, but I suspect I'd just have a crew member to rescue as well then.

It's connected with a bungee - not much chance of the shroud taking any kind of shock loading.

Most spinnaker poles are too heavy to function effectively as a whisker pole in light airs.

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- Nick

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"Does it float?" no I shouldn't think so, not for long anyway, but neither do the purpose made extending ones.

Yes, it does - as we found out when Kathy dropped it the other day.

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- Nick

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