Forespar's Point of View
Blogging About Life on the WaterAbout Mike Dwight
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FAQ of the Week
Q: Are whisker pole lock repair kits available for purchase?
A: The internal locking mechanism in Forespar® twist-lock poles can wear with time and lose their ability to lock. Replacement lock kits are available for purchase online. To help prolong the longevity of the locks, use fresh water to clean your pole and never use a lubricant as this can cause the lock to swell and become dysfunctional. Additionally, twist-lock poles should only be used on boats of length 30ft and under as larger boats can place too heavy a load on twist-lock poles.
If you have any further questions or need replacement parts, please contact us at sales@forespar.com.
FAQ of the Week
Q: What is required to install my Hoyt Boom System?
A: When installing the Hoyt boom, a backing plate is recommended for structural support, which Forespar® does not manufacture. The backing plate must be the same diameter as the pedestal and should be of sufficient thickness to help spread the fastener load. The backing plate can be made of teak, aluminum, stainless steel or hard plastic such as ABS or Nylon. The pedestal can be installed more than 10 feet aft of the J length. If this is done, your jib will most likely need to be re-cut. Make sure the Hoyt boom is installed before you have a sail maker adjust your jib.
The boom needs to be installed so that the pedestal is level. Forespar® sells shims that adjust the pedestal up to a 6o angle. If your deck is angled more than 6o you will have to have custom shims made. It is recommended that a professional rigger install your Hoyt boom to maintain structural integrity. Detailed instructions for installation can be found at http://www.Forespar.com/products/sail-hoyt-jib-boom-system.shtml.
If you have any further questions or need replacement parts, please contact us at sales@forespar.com.
FAQ of the Week
Q: What size Hoyt Boom should I buy for my boat?
A: Deciding what size Hoyt boom to buy is dependent on overall boat length and J dimensions. Model 250 is recommended for boat lengths 25’-29’, Model 300 is for boats 30’-35’ and Model 350 is for boats 35’-42’. More details about choosing the right size can be found here Hoyt Jib Boom.
If you have any further questions or need replacement parts, please contact us at sales@forespar.com.
Learn About Waterway Safety
Avoid sensitive areas and operating your watercraft in shallow waters or near shorelines at high speeds.
- Always launch at a designated boat ramp. Backing a vehicle on a riverbank or lakeshore can damage the area and leads to erosion.
- Always travel slowly in shallow waters and avoid boating in water less than 2½ feet deep. High speeds near shorelines lead to large wakes which cause shoreline erosion.
- Sensitive areas to avoid include seasonal nesting or breeding areas.
- Do not disturb historical, archeological or paleontological sites.
- Avoid “spooking” wildlife you encounter and keep your distance.
- Motorized and mechanized vehicles are not allowed in designated Wilderness Areas.
Hints Source: Treat-Lightly.org.
~ Forespar Point of View Team
FAQ of the Week
Q: What are the advantages of a Hoyt Boom?
A: The Hoyt Boom system is a forward boom for your jib that allows for self-tacking. This is a great benefit for short-handed crews and cruisers because it reduces overall workload. Additionally, the Hoyt boom allows for greater trimming ability due to the fact that the outhaul can be adjusted, giving you more control over the leech, and allowing you to control the twist of the jib as you fall off wind, and thus maintaining sail efficiency. When sailing down wind, the Hoyt boom can be used as a whisker pole to hold the jib out, improving speed and handling characteristics.
If you have any further questions or need replacement parts, please contact us at sales@forespar.com.
Before A Trip On The Water … Educate Yourself
Educate yourself prior to a trip by learning rules and regulations, planning for your trip, taking recreation skills classes and knowing how to operate your equipment safely.
- Obtain charts of your destination and determine which areas are open to your type of boat.
- Make a realistic plan and stick to it.
- Always tell someone of your travel plans and file a float plan.
- Contact the land manager for area restrictions, closures and permit requirements.
- Check the weather forecast for your destination. Plan clothing, equipment and supplies accordingly.
- Make sure you have enough fuel and oil for the entire trip.
- Make sure your owner’s manual and registration are on board in waterproof containers.
- Always carry a Coast Guard approved working fire extinguisher and warning flares.
- Prepare for the unexpected by packing necessary emergency items.
- Carry a Global Positioning System (GPS) and know how to use it.
- Know distress signals and warning symbols. Know your limitations. Apply sunscreen, drink lots of water and watch your energy level.
- Take a boater education course to learn more about navigating waterways and safe and enjoyable boating.
- Make sure your boat is mechanically up to the task. Be prepared with tools, supplies and a spill kit.
Hints Source: Treat-Lightly.org.
~ Forespar Point of View Team
FAQ of the Week
Q: Can I buy LED replacement bulbs for the ML-2 Combination Bow and Foredeck Light?
A: The ML-2 combination bow and foredeck light comes with standard light bulbs. There is the option buy the ML-2 with LED bulbs. Additionally, the ML-1 deck light can be ordered with a LED bulb. Replacement LED bulbs for both the ML-1 and ML-2 are available.
If you have any further questions or need replacement parts, please contact us at sales@forespar.com.
FAQ of the Week
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.
And While We’re Talking Digital – How About Digital Charts!
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
FAQ of the Week
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.