DIY Sailboat Whisker Pole Mast Mount Chock

[@SailingOTR]

My current boat is a bit larger, S-2 11c. I installed a pole track on the mast so I can adjust the height of the pole on the inboard end since I use it on a variety of different sails. It even works for the s'sail. My pole is = in length to the base of the foretriangle, about 14' if memory serves. One problem storing the pole up the mast. It does interfere with the air flow to the main sail when hard on the wind. I drop the pole and store it on deck for long windward passages. This does make a difference in the boats pointing ability.

[@kwsailer1]

Another elegant solution! And a great musical selection to boot! Thank you!

[@brianweekley5700]

Nicely done!

[@tonysimi1776]

Nice clean utilitarian installation

[@showmecouple2002]

Oops, I see you listed the clips in your materials. Thanks. Great Video. I am following your method and advice.

[@EpoxyAndButylTape]

Perfect. Just what I needed.

[@jamtree9746]

Thanks - will make it so .

[@davidbarrett7424]

Interesting alternative idea .... I will have to check if my pole lift is higher than my pole. A few questions if i may: 1. I was taught to have pole jaws facing up to easily drop the pole off the sheet / mast, so turning over not necessary? 2. When tacking, have you had any problems with the jib or sheets catching on the lacing hooks or the pole bracket? Thanks, David.

[@atomvoyager]

I don't think it matters if the pole is upright or not but but with the sheet being lighter than the pole it comes off easier when upright and if upright it doesn't automatically fall off the mast eye if the trip line gets accidentally pulled. The chock is nicely rounded and doesn't snag sails and it and the hooks are too high to snag a sheet. And the hooks are only large enough to fit a 5/16" line so sheets and halyards don't catch. If some other small topping lift caught while hoisting it would be easy enough to flip it off again.

[@jeroenvandervelden8213]

Very nice solution 👌

[@jthompsoniii]

I am a new captain of a 1985 Bayfield-29. I just purchased a whicker pole and am fabricating a mast mount chock by this VERY informative and well-thought video. Thank you! Q: Do you use a topping lift with your whisker pole?

[@atomvoyager]

As seen in the video yes I always use the topping lift and a downhaul to stabilize the pole. For short runs in light air and flat water you can by without setting either one if you wanted to for some reason. If you have further questions on it you can email me through the contact button at the bottom of the home page at atomvoyages.com

[@showmecouple2002]

Hi James, where did you get the small stainless clips that you attached to the mast to catch and snug up the spinnaker pole using the downhaul rope?

[@randyhilton6629]

Nice job, as usual! Have you installed winches on the mast? I have none and the sail is not that big, but having one makes that little extra tightening easier.

[@atomvoyager]

I like to have one small winch on each side of the mast for halyards and one on boom for reefing.

[@mrtbrocks5664]

Holy heck are you James Baldwin who sailed Atom and wrote two books (one is "Across Islands and...") of solo ocean voyaging ?- if so, I've read both your books twice. I came across this video on a search about whisker poles.

[@atomvoyager]

Thanks for reaching out and good to hear you enjoyed the books. I actually have four books. They're listed on the page here: atomvoyages.com/

[@mrtbrocks5664]

@@atomvoyager What great stories you recounted in those books. Truly inspirational - a huge part of my sailing education.

[@kenowens1688]

Fantastic! What size pole was that on the Triton?

[@atomvoyager]

I think it was 2.5" x 9'6". On my Triton I have an adjustable pole LC10-18 that was custom ordered shorter at 8-14'. The LC 10-18 is 2.5" outer pole and 2" inner pole.

[@sncxxl]

Very nice! My next year project. What size/length pole you recommend for A30?

[@atomvoyager]

If you can afford an adjustable pole the Forespar LC10-18 is ideal for the A30. Otherwise, a fixed pole of 2.5" x 10' will work.

[@sncxxl]

Thank you! Just wondering why are you using shorter 8-14' pole on your Triton?

[@atomvoyager]

​@@sncxxl It saves space and weight since I want it in the 9-12' length and would never get near the 18' available in the standard 10-18 pole. But with an A30 The 10-18 is more useful since it is stronger when kept in the 10-13' range you will most often use it and becomes less strong the more you extend it. In very light air with a code 0 poled out for wing on wing you might extend it to say 15'.

[@sncxxl]

Thank you very much for the explanation. Finally, I have all the info to get and install Whisker Pole on my boat.

[@azoresmarine]

Obrigado

[@fitmadefun]

How hard is it to deploy and stow underway? Are you about to get the down haul free from the clips in wind and seas?

[@atomvoyager]

I don't have a problem to deploy and stow underway. It is of course easier to use by furling the genoa to get the load off rather than with hank on jibs. The clips easily hook and unhook the line with a flick of the wrist and not much different in flat or rough water, much like other sail handling deck work where it's always easier in calm waters. I suppose have the pole stowed on the mast may be slightly more gymnastics than stowed on deck but I think that's minor compared to the advantages.

[@fitmadefun]

@@atomvoyager thanks for the reply

[@TheShorterboy]

Just get someone to print it for you in ASA, similar to printing ABS and it's used for cars as it resists UV get them to do a 100% infill.

[@colinwinters2747]

Hello James thanks for the video. I recently bought a 72 Alberg 30 and am curious how structural the fibreglass liner is on the interior I know you removed some in earlier videos but I’m unsure how much is to much or if it matters at all to the integrity of the hull?

[@atomvoyager]

Much of it is not structural in relation to strengthening the hull. Even so, I like to add stringers or fiberglass in cabinetry after removing parts of the liner to add strength wherever it looks like there is a large unsupported area that could use it. You'd have to be more specific about what part of the liner you are taking out for what purpose and maybe supply a photo. If there is a sizable air gap between the liner and hull in that area then it's not doing much for the hull. But it could be serving another stiffening purpose. You should join the Plastic Classic Forum and post your question. I'm a forum moderator and answer these type questions there: plasticclassicforum.com/forum/

[@colinwinters2747]

Thank you James. I’ll do that

[@jonathanbresler6721]

Colin, congratulations on getting an Alberg 30! Clearly, everything James Baldwin has done to Lora and other Albergs, is a wonderful source of information and inspiration. You may be interested in contacting the Alberg 30 Association at [e-mail] Folks there would be able to provide additional information about the boats.

[@SuperBullyone]

I want one