Hi,

I've currently got a single 2.3m alloy spinnaker pole set up. It works like a twin pole set up and the single pole has a clip on the outboard end that you need to unhook and re-hook to the new clew when gybing.

I'd like to upgrade this to twin poles so I'm looking for either a second alloy pole (25mm, 2.3m) to add to the existing or else a complete twin pole set up.

Anyone got anything suitable that they are willing to part with ?

Also looking for a shroud tensioning arrangement. Ideally the full system with all the various blocks and bits and pieces or at the very least some means of tensioning the port/starboard shrouds.

I have a "musclebox" for the forestay, but the port/starboard shrouds are fixed so I want to apply some rake they will go slack which is not really ideal.

Many Thanks, please reply to the email [email protected]

See Ebay under Spinnaker poles. 2 listed, 38mm tapered x 2300.

Thanks - On the watch list.

They dont look tapered from the photos......

They are tapered but difficult to show from a distance. New ends fitted this year. Poles are scratched but no dents or knocks.

From photos looks like they have piston clips at both ends. Would that be right ?...

I fitted pistons so they could be used for any boat, I still have the balls to take the shock cord/rope if required.

Missed it

Can anyone tell me where I can source aluminium poles to do the job? I think carbon will be ruinously expensive in these cash-strapped times. 25mm OD, 4.6M or 2x2.3M

Thanks agan, John

Hi John
Z Spars have 25mm and 30mm tube with ends to suit, we may also have some tapered 38mm tube. Send me an email and i will check what we have.
Craig

Couldn't see the product at 25mm and 32mm on your site.  Can you give an idea of price for 2300mm long with a piston fitting at one end.

Hi, P&B have the non tapered stuff off the shelf as far as I recall - I got the larger dia but I'm fairly sure its priced per metre on their web site, along with the fittings, clip, lined bush, etc

For cheap ally spinny poles go to Geo King Metals in Tooting High Street. Unfortunately not open on saturdays.

Speed Sails also very helpful.

We don't shout about making dinghy poles but most trade people ie Winders etc buy our pole ends. The pole ends (piston) retail at about £7.50 each, the tube, 32mm will be better is about £20.00 for the length you require. The biggest cost is carriage (£18.00) however if you are in no hurry our kids do the Mirror circuit and can normaly deliver foc. We also travel to the South coast once a month. Drop me an email if interested.
Craig Z Spars UK and Merlin Sailor (3688)

Craig, Just mailed you....thanks. Seems 32mm is better than 25mm.

Hi John
25mm over that length would be bendy! I will pick up my email when in work and come back to you.

What governs the length of the spinnaker poles.  I have an old rules spinnaker and the pole I have came with the very old boat but think that it would have been from one of the tiny spinnaker days.  When I fly the larger spinnaker the pole I have doesn't allow it to clear the forestay/jib.  What length do I need for the old rules one?  Anyone help?

Garry, 

I used to fly the "old rules" spinnakers you bought from me on a 2.3m pole. Set was pretty good, but the luff and foot were both a bit tight on a reach, suggesting a 2.3m pole was a bit long.

I think the early poles were 6ft from memory which could be a bit short for the circa 2000 spinnakers. The yellow and red one I remember as being quite long in the foot. 

When I'm done with my upgrade I will have a alloy tapered 2.3m single pole in a fetching shade of blue that will be surplus to requirements. Only thing is I am not sure that BA will be able to transport it without bending it and I think the Edinburgh Glasshouse will not be as happy to store it for you as they were to keep a small spinnaker bag in their admin office ! 

FRom what I know of you and your vintage boats, I suspect an alloy spinnaker pole would be an anathema, but let me know if you want to give it a go.

Cheers, John

We use old rules spinnaker on Half Cut usually with a 6ft pole (old boat, old measurement units) which came with her and we find that is generally the best though we have also used a 2.0metre pole 25mm diameter but this is far too bendy on a tight reach but nice when wind is light as it holds the kite out further.