Q: How do I properly maintain my spinnaker pole when stored on the mast?
A: The spinnaker pole needs to be removed from the inboard mast fitting two or three times a year. When you remove the pole, clean out any salt build-up on the aluminum end fitting and stainless steel mast car toggle using fresh water or vinegar.
If the end fitting is stuck to the mast car toggle, remove the track-end stop and take the spinnaker pole off the track. Place the end fitting and mast car in a bucket of vinegar and let sit for a week. If this does not work, use a hand-held propane torch to heat the aluminum end fitting, which will allow it to expand and slide off the toggle car. Please take care when using the propane torch!
If you have any further questions or need replacement parts, please contact us at sales@forespar.com.
A new NOAA raster chart in digital format, called Fugawi Aboard, combines more than 2,000 NOAA charts and 600 Canadian raster charts into quilted regions for use on compatible chart plotters.
The result is coastline detail for the US and Canada with the look and feel of vector charts as well as the detail of paper charts – but that behaves like any other electronic charts with the ability for users to zoom and pan.
This digital cartography brings electronic paper charts to chart plotters everywhere. A downloadable version is available at: http://www.nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/mcd/raster/.
~ Forespar Point of View Team
Q: How do I properly maintain my whisker pole?
A: Only fresh water should be used to clean your whisker pole. Never use a lubricant as this will cause the rubber liners to swell and lock and not allow you to adjust the length of your pole. To help maintain the condition of your pole, store inside your boat whenever possible.
Replacement parts are available here http://www.Forespar.com/products/sail-pole-lock-repair-kit.shtml.
If you have any further questions or need replacement parts, please contact us at sales@forespar.com.
Now there are several digital options to keep track of and remind you or your crew of all your yacht-system service needs. This can include a ship’s log, maintenance history, and inventory of all parts and consumables normally kept on board.
Once all the information is gathered by its technicians, one of several vendors can create a customized program that is specific to your boat, not necessarily generic to the boat brand or model. It also has a less-expensive “customer implementation” option, in which the boat owner gathers and provides all the necessary information required. Once the implementation process is complete, all of your boat’s information and records are stored in the cloud and accessible via computer, tablet or smartphone.
Three of the top names in the rapidly evolving product category of yacht-maintenance management are My-Villages, Wheelhouse Technologies and VesselVanguard. Hosted online, these subscription-based systems host data securely on a remote server.
These low costs systems allow you to avoid spending your time flipping through manuals and to get maintenance needs off your mind. Boaters have more important things to think about, like planning that next voyage.
~ Forespar Point of View Team
Q: What length Forespar® whisker pole I should buy?
A: The size of your whisker pole depends entirely on the length of your boat. A small boat requires a shorter pole, while a larger boat requires a longer pole. Diameter is a major function of strength. A 2-1/2” diameter tube is as much as 70% stronger than a 2” diameter tube. The force created by the headsail can cause a pole to bend or break if it is not the right size.
Every Forespar® pole is custom designed for each type of boat based on the J dimensions, the length from the headsail pin to the front of the mast. Labels on the whisker poles note the maximum length boat that can be used for each pole.
We strongly suggest you use our size recommendations when selecting the pole for your boat. Forespar® cannot offer any warranty on poles that are too small for the boat. Here’s a link giving you recommended poles for each brand of boat. http://www.Forespar.com/whisker2011.shtml
If you have any further questions or need replacement parts, please contact us at sales@forespar.com.
The goal of the boater-funded BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water is to educate boaters about safe and clean boating. The Foundation wants to fund Grassroots Grant projects that utilize new, innovative approaches that encourage safe and clean boating among the boating public.
Organizations with the best ideas will be awarded grants of up to $10,000 to implement their project. However, applications need to be submitted by January 15, 2015, and public online voting on the applications will take place in early spring 2015.
Groups wishing to apply for one or more Grassroots Grants may go to www.BoatUS.org/grants to view the guidelines and begin their application. Grant application submissions may include videos, photos or graphics or anything to potentially help increase the chances of funding. The applications that best meet guidelines will be posted to the Foundation’s website, BoatUS.org, as well as its Facebook page for public voting in the spring. Projects with the most votes will receive funding and will have one year to complete the grant project.
~ Forespar Point of View Team
The Coast Guard is dropping its Type I-V labeling system. This move is expected to lead to new life jacket designs and lessen confusion among recreational boaters. The plan is to drop the current life jacket type code scheme that has been used for years to label and differentiate the types of life jackets and their specific use.
These new standards will eventually simplify life jacket requirements for recreational boaters. The decision eliminates the Type I, II, III, IV or V label on a new life jacket label after Oct. 22. This coding tended to confuse boaters, limited choice and increase the cost of life jackets.
Boaters must still abide by the current standards when using older life jackets marked with the Type I-V labeling because they will remain legal for use.
More details are available at BoatUS.org/design.
~ Forespar Point of View Team