Whisker pole track on wood mast....

[wwaite]

I'd like to install a track for my spinnaker pole on the forward face of my spruce mast. It's a box section spar so it's flat on all sides. My pole setup now is a fixed pad-eye/pole ring on each side of the mast. A front mounted track would make it possible to keep the pole mounted on the mast, ready for use and would make all sail handling with the pole much easier. My concern is drilling a "dotted line" of holes in the face of the stick and the fact that the loads would now be side loads on the track. This setup seems real common on aluminum spars, but I don't seem to see them on wood spars.

I don't know if it's because most wood mast are on pretty "traditional" vessels or because the side loads are the reason. I've thought about some straps that wrap around the sides of the mast, but I'd like to hear what the folks on this forum think

The boat is a Kendall 32 (earlier flushdecked version of the Westsail 32) with a 43' deck stepped mast.

Anyone have any thoughts on a good way to do this?

[Brion Toss]

Hello,
First, the side loads you speak of will be the same as you have now with those rings; where do you think the load goes to now? The difference will be that you will now have an athwartships stiffening member (the track) to help arrest those loads.
Next, the dotted line is not a good analogy here. True, if you just drilled the fastener holes and left the track off you would have weakened the mast, but you will be adding strength by adding the track. Think of it as being similar to gluing an extra layer of wood onto the face of the mast.
With the hardware loops on the side of the mast you do get the illusion of greater strength in that it looks like more of a compression load on a big surface. But in fact when the loads are highest you are likely to have huge torque and levering loads on the fittings, which is why you sometimes see them torn out. Now of course if you stuff the pole into a seaway things are probably going to give a little no matter what setup you have, but I think a properly-installed track will be stronger. And of course the track will give you far better, easier, more versatile sail control.
As for what constitutes a proper installation, be sure to epoxy-pot all those fasteners. Consider a long track, for on-mast stowage. Use well-spaced PX cleats for the 2:1 uphaul/downhaul. If you need explanations for these and other details, consider a consultation.
Fair leads,
Brion Toss

[wwaite]

Just wanted to say thanks for your feedback. I was thinking that the side loads on the track could tear out the track and cause major damage to the mast. I fly an asymmetrical spinnaker so the loads are more athwartships, but are also lighter than a true spinnaker.
I hadn't considered the stiffening factor of the track itself...
Thanks again!
Walter