Whisker Pole height and pad eye attaching method?

robtmohr · Post by **robtmohr** » Fri Jun 22, 2007 11:51 am

I have a fixed whisker/spinnaker pad eye that I am looking to mount to the mast but as of yet I have not had the X out so I can level the pole and mark the proper level location point. Also I am looking to use stainless steel rivets to fix the pad eye to the mast.
1 - What height have you placed your pad eye at?
2 - Have you used stainless rivets in this location or another attaching method?
3 - Do you need a special rivet gun to set these rivets?

I was thinking about a T track with a pad eye car but the price sent me to a fixed unit. What do you recommend before I mount the fixed unit?
I have thought about adding an Assym spinnaker but have thought that the added stress on the mast my not be worth the future demasting possiblity.

As always, thanks for your comments and recommendations.

Robert

kziadie · Post by **kziadie** » Fri Jun 22, 2007 11:57 am

Not sure about the X, but my M has the padeye about 3 ft. up from the base of the mast. My dealer installed it and I never really paid attention to the fasteners. Another option you may consider is drilling the mast and tapping it to accept machine screws. If you do this, remember to use blue loctite on the treads and you should be fine.

Kelly

Catigale · Post by **Catigale** » Fri Jun 22, 2007 12:22 pm

I secured mine with sheet metal screws - the force from the whisker pole is very rarely longitudinal on the screws, its usually trying to shear them off sideways....the are pretty strong under this kind of load.

Terry · Post by **Terry** » Fri Jun 22, 2007 1:11 pm

I did the same as Cat, sheet metal screws, forgot the blue stuff though. Mine is just a little plastic thing so I didn't see the need for rivets, besides if it is in the wrong location it is easier to move with screws. I placed mine slightly higher than what the jib would use but lower than what the genoa would use so that I can use it with both. I have not tried it yet because it keeps raining here, especially on weekends. It is June 22/07 and I have not been sailing yet this season!

Rich Plumb · Post by **Rich Plumb** » Fri Jun 22, 2007 9:03 pm

I used a stainless steel pad eye from West Marine and secured it with sheet metal screws. The height of the pad eye is the same as the two halyard cleats on your mast. I've used mine for about four years with no problem. A word of caution: If you mount the pad eye too low, it will foul your Genoa sheet lines when tacking.

~~~~~~~_/)~~~~~~~~~
Rich Plumb, "Plumb Crazy"
26X, Covington WA

Highlander · Post by **Highlander** » Sat Jun 23, 2007 4:33 am

I mounted my SS pad eye with ss metal screws 40" up from the bottom of the mast

I beleive I read a post here of 43" for the

you should be able to look it up under the mods section one day I noticed 2 of the ss metal screws had brkn off removed them & used ss rivets no special gun required just alittle harder to compress and you should put some sticky tape on the pad eye to insulate it from the mast
A spin should not be a problem if your standing rigging is set right "tight"

John

Chip Hindes · Post by **Chip Hindes** » Sat Jun 23, 2007 6:28 am

I used sheet metal screws for my plastic padeye. I recommend against tapped holes; the mast is not a thick enough section to properly hold them.

When I replaced my gooseneck fitting, my brand name "Pop" rivet gun would not set the SS rivets. The book said it wouldn't but I tried anyway; the book was right. I had to borrow a heavy duty gun from work.

Shane · Post by **Shane** » Sat Jun 23, 2007 6:42 am

Terry wrote:I did the same as Cat, sheet metal screws, forgot the blue stuff though. Mine is just a little plastic thing so I didn't see the need for rivets, besides if it is in the wrong location it is easier to move with screws. I placed mine slightly higher than what the jib would use but lower than what the genoa would use so that I can use it with both. I have not tried it yet because it keeps raining here, especially on weekends. It is June 22/07 and I have not been sailing yet this season!

That's okay Terry things are looking up; tomorrow is supposed to be only 'chances of rain'

Regards,
Shane

Highlander · Post by **Highlander** » Sun Jun 24, 2007 7:38 am

Well I'll just have to bring out some of this heatwave were having here right now, Fri/Sat here was perfect for sailing here gust up to 35kt's "Beene" pm me he"s gone sailing nice guy Eh, I had to work on the boat trying to get it ready for the long wk-end here's hoping

I got a short p/m from from darren looks like he's coming over to Victoria he out in the boonies right now he will send more info later

hope to see you Terry & shane for a beer & poss. a sail

Cheers John

beene · Post by **beene** » Sun Jun 24, 2007 2:47 pm

Have a nice trip John.

Play safe.

G

MacGregorSailors.com

MacGregorSailors.com

Whisker Pole height and pad eye attaching method?

Whisker Pole height and pad eye attaching method?