Return to Hobie.com
Hobie Forums
It is currently Fri Mar 29, 2024 4:31 am

All times are UTC - 8 hours [ DST ]




Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 3 posts ] 
Author Message
 Post subject: Whisker Pole
PostPosted: Wed Feb 16, 2005 10:00 pm 
Offline
Site Rank - Deck Hand

Joined: Mon Feb 14, 2005 4:33 pm
Posts: 5
Location: Roseville, CA
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.
:idea: 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.

_________________
Brian Ripley
Mirage Sport
Roseville, CA


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject: Open the sail up
PostPosted: Tue Aug 30, 2005 10:47 pm 
Offline
Site Rank - Deck Hand

Joined: Thu Aug 18, 2005 10:03 pm
Posts: 3
Location: Oswego, IL
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.

_________________
Dave Reinker


Top
 Profile  
 
PostPosted: Wed Aug 31, 2005 8:20 am 
Offline
Site Rank - Old Salt

Joined: Wed Jun 30, 2004 6:39 am
Posts: 470
Location: Finger Lakes, NY
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 :roll: 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. :shock:

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 :roll: :lol:

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/st ... /342/341/2

_________________
The fact that this windy world is largely covered in water obviously means that man was meant to sail.


Top
 Profile  
 
Display posts from previous:  Sort by  
Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 3 posts ] 

All times are UTC - 8 hours [ DST ]


Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 2 guests


You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum

Jump to:  
© Hobie Cat Company. All rights reserved.
Powered by phpBB® Forum Software © phpBB Group