Spars, Rigging, and Hardware for Sailboats

Rig-Rite, Inc.
Phone: (001) 401-739-1140 -- FAX: (001) 401-739-1149
www.RigRite.com          Ordering/Questions

Spinnaker Poles & Parts

Spinnaker Poles, Whisker Poles, Downwind Poles, and Reaching Struts, although used for different purposes, all employ the same tubing and a variety of similar (or identical) fittings.
Rig-Rite stocks the world's largest variety of Aluminum and Carbon Fibre Spinnaker Pole Tube and related Pole fittings, in both Imperial and Metric sizes - most are listed below. Spinnaker Pole Ends for use with Wood Poles are listed separately, See Spinnaker Pole Ends for Wood Poles.

For Replacement Parts, measure the Outside Diameter (OD) of your tube, and click on that size, below. When replacing Spinnaker Pole Ends it is better if you can find an identical replacement End. Differing lengths of fittings will affect Pole length, possibly violating measurement rules; for your convenience we have included fitting lengths. On End for End Poles, in addition, differing weights and bridle attachment points will affect balance.

For New fixed-length Poles and Struts, you can use the boat lengths listed in the chart below, as a general guideline, but note that optimum Pole size is determined by myriad factors, including Length of the Pole, Displacement, anticipated conditions, and crew experience, to name a few. If in doubt about Pole size, end fittings, or optimal configuration, please contact us for recommendations. We have built hundreds of different Spinnaker and Whisker Poles and now have an extensive database of successful pole sizes. In fact, we probably have built Poles for a boat just like yours.

Spinnaker Poles are used to fly a Spinnaker. On the outboard end they attach to the Afterguy (or Brace), and on the inboard end to a Spinnaker Car (or a fixed Mast Ring) mounted on the Mast. Spinnaker Pole Length is normally equal to the "J" Dimension of the boat, but some classes allow for a longer Pole, the maximum length usually being expressed as a percentage of "J" (e.g., 110%).

A Reaching Strut is used in conjunction with a Spinnaker Pole. Used on a reach when the Spinnaker Pole is forward (close to the Forestay), it provides a better lead angle for Afterguy. This, in turn, reduces the load on the Afterguy, the Spinnaker Pole, Mast, Winch, and all associated components. On the outboard end they feature a sheave for the Afterguy, the inboard end is one of a variety of Standard End fittings usually attached to a Mast Ring, Spinnaker Car, or a TS Pin fitting mounted on the side of the Mast.

Whisker Poles are used to 'wing out' the Jib. On the outboard end they attach to the Jib Sheet (or Jib Clew ring), and on the inboard end to a Spinnaker Car (or a fixed Mast Ring) mounted on the Mast. Whisker Pole Length is that required to hold the Clew of the Genoa out at 90° to the Mast, it will vary with the size of the Genoa. A 150% Genoa will require a Whisker Pole in the range of 1.4 times the "J" Dimension. When used with Genoas of vastly different sizes, an adjustable Whisker Pole might be required, See Adjustable Whisker Poles.

Downwind Poles are used to 'wing out' two (2) Jibs at the same time. This requires dual Headstays, a Twinstay, or a Furling System that accommodates 2 Jibs. Essentially they are Spinnaker Poles (or Whisker Poles) with an inboard end permanently attached to Spinnaker Cars, on Tracks on both sides of the Mast. Length is determined in the same manner as for Whisker Poles.

Poles are frequently stored in various types of Chocks on Deck, on the Mast, or on the Stanchions. See Spinnaker Pole Chocks.

For Replacement Pole Parts, measure the Outside Diameter (OD) of your tube, and click on that size, below. For Spinnaker Car Parts, those that attach directly to a Spinnaker Car, See Spinnaker Cars.