Whisper pole length?

[Gordonmc]

I have secured a couple of spinnaker pole pistons and want to make up a wooden whisper pole.
What is the optimum length? I have seen spinnaker pole legth expressed as a ratio of the distance between mast and stemhead. Does the same apply and, if so, what is that ratio.
Any forum views appreciated.

<hr width=100% size=1>

[AndrewB]

Been asked many times before and opinions differ. It depends too on the size of the sail. BUT nearly all agree a whisker pole should be longer than a spinnaker pole, which is correctly sized as the distance between mast and forestay at deck height. Two popular opinions are that:

(i) it should be the same length as the length of the foot of the (overlapping) genoa;

(ii) it should be about 25% longer than the distance between mast and forestay at deck height. This seems a good compromise if you have more than one headsail.

Take a look at: <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.forespar.com/catalog/whiskerpoles/sizerecomd.htm>http://www.forespar.com/catalog/whiskerpoles/sizerecomd.htm</A>

[VicS]

As you are making your own make it a bit longer than any of the suggestions you get. Try it and progressively shorten it until you think you've got it right. Thats what I did.

Somewhere between J and 1.25 J seems to be what you'll end up with.

<hr width=100% size=1>