Buying a whisker pole

[Bolo]

I'm planning to purchase a whisker pole for my E-32 III (1987). I've settled on a Forespar LC 10-18 EL. Both come with a "EL" fitting on the inboard end but there is a choice of fittings for the outboard end. One being the "UXP" and the other "UTR". I've not been albe to find a satisfactory explanation describing the difference between the two. However, from what I found, it seems that the UTR fitting is first "cocked open" and then when it comes in contact with the jib sheet it automatically snaps close. Does that mean that the UXP fitting is manually opened and closed and is not as "automatic as the UTR fitting? Advice from Forespar whisker pole users would be greatly appreciated.

 

[windjunkee]

Bob,

Its all a matter of preference. One of the things about whisker poles, though, is that you're probably not trying to capture a sheet at the business end of the pole. You're more likely going to be placing the sheet into the jaws by hand, so you don't need the loaded trigger. Releasing the sheet with either one is similar, though the UTR gets re-cocked on the release and the UXP you just slide open until the line releases.
I have the UXP on my "end for end" spin pole and UTR on the "dip pole" spin pole. The one whisker pole I have has UXP on both ends.

Jim McCone
Voice of Reason E-32-2 Hull #134
Redondo Beach, CA

 

[Rick R.]

I was looking also and discovered they aren't cheap are they?

 

[exoduse35]

Is there anything cheep on a sailboat? The wind is free, but everything else makes up for it!

 

[Rick R.]

Is there anything cheep on a sailboat? The wind is free, but everything else makes up for it!

Well said!

 

[Bolo]

Not cheap!

I ordered my whisker pole, and accessories, through West Marine and am having it delivered to my boat near the store in order to get free delivery. So you guys don't think I'm one of those "millionaires" that our president has been talking about I sold my a-sail, on this site, to cover the cost of the pole. BTW - A call to the Forespar tech guys cleared up a lot of questions I had about the pole, it's fitting and how to use it.

My wife and I sail short handed and so, even though I liked using the a-sail, it was a challenge to fly short handed. Using a whisker pole won't be as "cool" but it will help to get the job done for down wind / close to beam points of sail. Hoping to be a happy viking again.

 

[Rick R.]

Bob,

When you get it installed please post some pictures. I may get the same one.
Thanks
Rick

I ordered my whisker pole, and accessories, through West Marine and am having it delivered to my boat near the store in order to get free delivery. So you guys don't think I'm one of those "millionaires" that our president has been talking about I sold my a-sail, on this site, to cover the cost of the pole. BTW - A call to the Forespar tech guys cleared up a lot of questions I had about the pole, it's fitting and how to use it.

My wife and I sail short handed and so, even though I liked using the a-sail, it was a challenge to fly short handed. Using a whisker pole won't be as "cool" but it will help to get the job done for down wind / close to beam points of sail. Hoping to be a happy viking again.