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Whisker Pole http://www.hobie.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=32&t=1547 |
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Author: | brian_ripley [ Wed Feb 16, 2005 10:00 pm ] |
Post subject: | Whisker Pole |
I have only had my yak out once but in that time it seemed like it would be nice to have a way to open the sail up when going downwind. Has anybody tried a whisker pole arrangement? I wouldn't want to carry another pole but maybe some clips added to the paddle would make for a usable whisker pole. |
Author: | dreinker [ Tue Aug 30, 2005 10:47 pm ] |
Post subject: | Open the sail up |
I just purchased my first 2 Hobie Sports with sails and was also wondering how to open up the sail going downwind. Perhaps a stiffening piece placed in the bottom seam? I am not experienced so I don't know how this might affect the shape and performance going upwind. Does anyone have any ideas on this? I'd like to keep this as simple as possible. |
Author: | widerisbetter [ Wed Aug 31, 2005 8:20 am ] |
Post subject: | lurking sailor here - info on whisker poles |
Hi folks! Life long sailor - soon to be kayaker here. Having decent sailshape going downwind is always a challenge. The forces of apparent wind against the front of the sail battling with the wind behind the sail work against each other. So, yeah, a whisker pole is a great idea in my opinion. There is more to just "holding the sail out" though. Of course The purpose of the pole is to try and maintain a good "airfoil" shape as well as to keep the sail on a preferred side when running dead down wind. Note of Caution: in a heavy blow DO NOT sail DEAD DOWN WIND, always sail a little off the wind to keep the sail over on one side. It is a real pain in the head if a gust lifts the sail suddenly across the boat because it "wants" to be on the other side. A whisker pole should be light and fairly stiff. You don't want to add any more weight to the clew of the sail than you need to. A full sail in light conditions should be able to "lift" the pole when you let go the sheets. For example: on a typical 25 foot 5000lb sailboat we only use a 1 ¼ inch diameter, 6 to 12 foot twist lock pole. So work that backwards into all of what you need for a 50 lb kayak. For optimum effect the pole should be extendable. I’m thinking a small boat telescoping tiller extension or a leg from a small camera tripod or the shaft of your kayak paddle could be adapted. Here is a site for some whisker poles and parts info. You'll probably find a lot of other "boating" stuff too that will have your credit card maxed up in no time http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/st ... /342/341/2 |
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