Spinnaker pole question

[Dan Corcoran]

My pole is getting beat up by the block on the end. The pole was beautifully repainted last winter.

Any obvious problem here?

[Vento Solare]

I've got the pole type that had the u-bolt and modified it to use an Antal ring instead because the block took chips out of the hull when the pole was retracted.

After having the pole repainted, I wrapped the end all the way around with 3" sticky Kevlar tape to provide chafe and chip protection. The tape end pieces are under the Delrin "sandwich" where the Antal ring is bolted to the pole (former u-bolt hole location). This stops it from peeling back. In your configuration, you may need a zip tie around the Kevlar tape to keep it from peeling.

[Dan Corcoran]

What size Antal ring?

[Vento Solare]

I used the Antal R20.20

Here are pictures of the custom Delrin "sandwich" I fabricated that is angled at 15 degrees. The through bolts have heat shrink where they pass through the pole to prevent electrolysis.

[Dan Corcoran]

Very Impressive!