Optimal spin pole length?

I'm changing from a fiberglass to an aluminum spin pole on my 14' cat (actually flying a hooter), and I'm wondering whether there's an advantage to making the new pole longer or shorter than the current 10 feet. There is 5'2" distance from the front crossbar to tip of hull--is there any benefit to having the spin pole way out front? Or closer in? I've experimented a little with the current pole and didn't notice any difference in weather helm, but I was wondering more from a speed/efficiency perspective. Is there any formula for optimal length, or does it matter as long as you can manuever the headsail in front of the jib?

Thanks!
Kevin
Trac 14

You keep talking about this boat and the rig on it. Take a picture of it!

Other than that I know nothing.

Agreed, give us something to think about.

Glad to take a pic next time I'm out (probably not till next week, though)--but I'd like to rig this new pole before I go out on that day. I guess my basic question is simply, all things being equal, is there any advantage to having the tack of the spin/hooter further out or closer? Measure twice, cut once...thought some collective wisdom would be in order here! Thanks.

The cut of the sail will help determine the pole legnth. How much luff tension does the sail require? and the angle of attack to the wind? The sail will tell you alot.

My 4.3 is about 14' and new pole I had made was 90 5/8" not counting the snuffer hoop. I have a snuffer like the I-20.

Doug

OK, here are a few pictures of my Trac 14 with hooter. This first one just shows the whole setup from a distance. I know the hound doesn't go as high on the mast as some, but the Trac doesn't have diamond wires and I didn't want to put strain too far up.

Here's one of the rigging.

And here's one showing the setup I've come up with so that the end of the pole can be swung from side to side, all the way over to each hull. The line from the tip of the pole runs to a pulley at the bow eye, then back to a jam cleat on the front crossbar. It has seemed advantageous a few times already to have this ability--has anyone else messed with this idea? At any rate, any ideas or input is welcome on the whole rig.

OKay...
First thing I see is that the tip of your pole is unsupported and in high winds might break off, I would suggest lines running from the bows to the tip of the pole to fix that.
Then don't worry about the moving pole and just get the thing centered and stabalized.
Secondly, the line (bungee cord) attaching the pole to the bridle wires needs to be solid and not stretchy. Use a piece of low stretch line and using the lines that you will be attaching to the end of the pole apply enough pressure so that the pole is slightly bent downwards, this is known as prebend and also helps the pole from breaking.

Others have tried the moving pole and didn't have much luck. Cats are fast enough that the appearant wind is very far forward and the moving pole just isn't needed...or at least that is how I understand it.

But cool rig and be ready to get ripped apart.

Bring it over to GYC and have a look out our rigging.

http://www.gulfportyachtclub.com/

Last race of the year is Saturday. $10. Three races food and drink after.

Gree, the end of the pole is supported. The line that controls horizontal swing from side to side, when cleated, also holds the end of the pole down as if tied to the bow eyes (although actually coming off the pulleys there). As for pre-bend, I'll do that if needed. So far, I've had it in 20 knot wind with no ill effects, and w/out prebend works better along with the bungee to allow the tip to move from side to side. Whether that's a desirable feature will have to be worked out in the spring with further testing (and I can always go back to a traditional setup w/ pre-bend and stationary pole), but my conclusion so far is that it does seem helpful at times. Plus, it's one more set of lines to tinker with! <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I wasn't worried about it being held down as much as side to side.
But hey if you can sail in 20knts and nothing broke then you seem to be in good shape.
The biggest reason I could see for the none moving pole would be that it does add complexity which when sailing solo is bad at times. So basically the gain my not be worth it.

ARC21 w/hooter

I Sailed the Windrush. your boat name here a lot and really enjoyed it and I love what you have done. Well done on the rig, the ideas you are trying and the clear photos.

Sail fast