kayakinriverotter wrote:
Has anyone made a whisker pole for broad reaching or down wind sailing?
kayakinriverotter
I searched downwind AI sailing, Barber Hauler, whisker pole etc. and like most of the mods I see on this forum. I decided to try my paddle as a whisker pole instead and I believe I have a solution that will work. I have included 5 photo in progressively more detail as links for those with more interest.
I have a week of blowboating (sailing) in SW michigan starting this saturday and will report how it works.
I envision stronger downwinds raising the paddle (aka whisker pole) up significiently, possibly to the point where the mast notch in the paddle may slip off the mast. I will make the notch deeper in this case.
I really have little issues with a modification to the paddle (basically a usless appendage for an AI - except for a reverse gear). My original paddle broke as a wave caught it while stowed on the port side. The replacement paddle is a few inches shorter than the Hobie and seems stronger.
http://home.fuse.net/songroot/boat_mods/paddle_as_wisker_pole.jpg
http://home.fuse.net/songroot/boat_mods/paddle_in_place_showing_near_90_degree_angle.jpg
http://home.fuse.net/songroot/boat_mods/paddle_to_mast_detail_in_place.jpg
http://home.fuse.net/songroot/boat_mods/paddle_to_mast_detail_showing_machined_notch.jpg
http://home.fuse.net/songroot/boat_mods/paddle_notch_to_hold_outer_end_detail.jpg