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Reference > Spinnaker Pole Handling
Both race and cruising boats benefit from adjustable spinnaker pole cars. Racers need adjustability to ensure the pole's inboard end is square to the horizon and to help with dip pole jibing. Cruisers need adjustability because they often store a spinnaker pole against the mast by raising the inboard end all the way up.
Typical boat length:
Small Boat: 22' - 28' (6.7 - 8.5 m)
Midrange: 29' - 34' (8.8 - 10.4m)
Big Boat: 35' - 42' (10.7 - 12.8m)
| Diagram Ref. | Description | Small Boat Part No. | Midrange Part No. | Big Boat Part No. |
| Syslem 1 | ||||
| A | Spinnaker pole car | 780 | 781 | 781/ 782/ 783/ 784 |
| Â | Single | 348/ 351 | 2650/ 2651 | 2650/ 098/ 2607 |
| Ñ | Cam cleat | 338/ 365 | 365/ 150 | 150 |
| D | Cheek | 350 | 2644/ 109 | 2644/ 109/ 2606 |
| E | Eyestrap | 073/ 137/ 201 | 073/ 137/ 201 | 073/ 137/ 201/ 1558 |
| System 2 | ||||
| A | Spinnaker pole car | 780 | 781 | 782/ 783/ 784 |
| Â | Single | 341/ 348/ 354 | 2637/ 2650/ 2651 | 2637/ 2601/ 2607 |
| Ñ | Cam cleat | 338/ 365 | 365/ 150 | 150 |
| D | Cheek | 350 | 2644 | 2644/ 2602 |
| System 3 | ||||
| A | Exit block | 089/ 290 | 290/ 134 | 134 |
| Â | Cam cleat | 338/ 150 | 150/ 280 | 280 |
| Syslem 4 | ||||
| A | Single | 40/ 348/ 263S/ 2650/ 2651 | — | — |
| Â | Single | 340/ 341/ 348/ 352 | — | — |
| Ñ | Bullseye | 339/ 237 | — | — |
| D | Eyestrap | 073/ 137/ 201 | — | — |
1. An adjustable spinnaker pole car allows the inboard end of the pole to be moved under load. The most common spinnaker pole car adjuster system features an endless adjuster line and 2:1 controls. |
2. 3:1 controls for an adjustable spinnaker pole car. |
3. Smaller offshore boats may mount a cam cleat below the spinnaker halyard exit so the crew at the mast can "jump" the sail when setting the spinnaker and then cleat the halyard on the mast. The cam also serves to hold the line should the sail fill prematurely. |
4. Many of today's race boats have asymmetrical spinnakers and retractable bowsprits. This system features a launcher line on top of the pole, with strong shock chord on the bottom to automatically retract the pole when the launcher line is uncleated. |
Harken Deck Specs | Traveler | Mainsheet | Genoa Lead Car | Boom Vangs | Outhauls Systems | Cunninghams | Spinnaker | Spinnaker Pole Handling | Mastbase & Cabin Top | Backstay Adjusters | Mainsail Reefing | Self-Tracking Jibs /Staysails | Metric Conversions /Drilling Guide | Rigging Breaking Strengths | Loading Formulas | Ball Bearings | Maintenance