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INSTALLATION MANUAL

Which mast cars, end fittings, VPC vertical pole storage cars and mast chocks to use to store a whisker or spinnaker pole vertically up the forward face of the mast, and why ring-style cars must never be used.

DocumentForespar Vertical Pole Storage Installation
FormatPDF · 1 page · 0.3 MB
LanguageEnglish
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SelectionVPC CarsHeavy WeatherProducts
Forespar Vertical Pole Storage — Installation

Choosing the Mast Car & End Fitting

  • Ring style mast cars (Forespar's or anyone else's) do not let a pole hang vertically without binding, and eventually break the end fitting: a 10-foot pole has enough leverage to fracture or bend ends and rings without you feeling it at the other end. Forespar does not recommend ANY ring style car for vertical storage.
  • Latch style ends (UXP and UTR Ultra ends, or older XP, TR and EL aluminum ends): use the FC-125 (#332002) flange style car, designed to let a pole up to 4-1/2" diameter hang vertically without binding.
  • Offshore style TS and UTS ends: toggle style cars also allow mast storage.

VPC Vertical Pole Storage Cars

  • The VPC car attaches to the FC-125 or toggle style car with a short tail (line or wire) and runs in tandem with it on the track. With the pole in use it hangs below the mast car, out of the way.
  • When the pole is raised to the vertical storage position, the VPC car goes up the track and engages the pole near the top: it keeps the pole on the centerline (important with toggle cars) and dampens its movement at anchor.
  • Use it with the appropriate chock, also on the mast, to capture the outboard end so sheets cannot foul it. All components must be on the mast so the stored pole sits as close to parallel to the mast as possible.
Part # Model For pole diameter
335100 VPC-125-250 2-1/2" View part →
335101 VPC-125-300 3" View part →
335102 VPC-125-350 3-1/2" View part →
335103 VPC-125-400 4" View part →

Heavy Weather & Alternatives

  • If you store the pole up the mast, also have securely mounted deck chocks available for severe weather.
  • In storm conditions remove the poles from the mast and store them on deck: this takes weight and windage from aloft and keeps the poles available if the rig is carried away.
  • If vertical storage is not wanted, Forespar also offers stanchion chocks and standard deck chocks.

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