Spinnaker Poles, Cars & “J” Dimensions
“J” = the distance from the forward face of the mast to the outer-most fixed tack of the jib (boats with bow sprits or cutters with staysails measure to the forward most tack point) at deck level. Any spinnaker pole built to a “J” dimension should not extend past the tack when attached to the mast including all mast fittings used to connect the pole.
“J-C” is a “J”-“Corrected” pole length or “penalty” pole made to an accepted “class” dimension or specific length based an the individual boats oversize symmetrical spinnaker or owners preference. This style pole is not defined by “J” and can be virtually any over-all length.
“SPL” (Spinnaker pole length) is the distance (to the outermost tip of the end fitting-not the jaw) when attached to the mast fitting with the pole held out straight on the centerline of the boat. It is measured from the forward face of the mast to the outside tip of the end fitting.
When Forespar® is given a “J” dimension, (preferred) poles made with “UXP”, “UTR” or any “latch” style ends will be built to the “J” as measured “Tip to Tip” (outside to outside overall). These style poles use “Ring” style cars or our “FC-125” car.
When given a “J” dimension for poles that use our “UTS” or “TS” socket style ends and will be used with our “AT-125-S” or “T-125-S” toggle cars for 1-1/4” “T” track, we will subtract 5” to allow for the distance the car and track add to the “J” measurement when the pole is set.
Other car manufacturers have different “sub tractor” dimensions and the customer may be required to supply this information in order to build the proper length pole. We have on file the sub tractor dimensions for Harken #1580 “Midrange” cars (5-1/2”) and Harken #784 “Big Boat” cars (5-13/16”) that use our “TS” toggle assembly (#333010).