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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!
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.
http://trooncruisingclub.org/ 20' - 30' Berths available, Clyde.
Cruising, racing, maintenance facilities. Go take a look, you know you want to.
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.
sahona wrote: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.
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.
