[Alberg30] A-30 Whisker Poles

[Neal Jackson]

For the benefit of the list I thought I might post the following exchange
between me an Gordon Laco which I initially undertook offline.
 
----- Original Message -----

From: Neal Jackson  <mailto:NJackson at npr.org> NJackson at npr.org 

To: <gord at transatmarine.com

Sent: Monday, November 12, 2001 3:40 PM

Subject: Off-line On an A-30 Issue

Gordo:

I think I recall you noting on the A30 listserve once upon a time that you
are/were the Canadian distributor for Forespar. I have a question about one
of their whisker poles for the A-30. 

I sail my A-30 (PEREGRINE - No. 486) on the Chesapeake Bay.  As I guess you
have heard or seen, the air there can be quite light.  Since I don't have a
spinnaker, I often run wing-on-wing before light breezes.  To help with that
I have sometimes tied an extendible boat hook in place as a makeshift
whisker pole on the gennie.  I knew that was not the right way to do it and
indeed a boat hook broke this summer when a power boat inflicted a
discourteous wake on me.

So, about two months ago, I bought a real whisker pole. It was the largest
that the local West Marine dealer had in stock -- the Forespar ADJ 6-12-DL
which in light air is said by the literature to be for a boat up to 25 feet.
I got that particular one because, frankly, I did not know where a longer
adjustable pole could fit inside the cabin (the instructions said not to
leave it outside).

I am having second thoughts. The pole is still in the plastic sleeve and I
can easily take it back to West. It seems rather lightly made, but I know
these kinds of items are often overengineered. But maybe not. In any event
I am not sure what my other options could be.

Can you give me some thoughts on this subject? BTW, if you want to post (or
for me to post) this question on the A30 list serve, feel free. Others might
benefit from your ideas (and others might have valuable input, as well).

 Neal Jackson 

----- Reply Message-----

From: Gord Laco [mailto:gord at transatmarine.com]

Sent: Friday, November 16, 2001 6:09 AM

To: Neal Jackson

Subject: Re: Off-line On an A-30 Issue

 Hi Neal,

I am aware that this list is not the place for business... but I think that
I can answer your question without abusing my membership on the list.  I
would suggest that the 6-12 foot whisker pole is both short and
understrength for our A30s'. The "right" one is the 7-17' model. It has a
sufficiently heavy tube, tough spinnaker pole type ends and is a three part
telescope that makes it nice and small when collapsed.

Cheers, Gord A30 #426 

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