Either I am using the J pole wrong, or it is the wrong length. Can someone measure the length of the pole tip to tip or the length of the tube only?
I thought the correct way to use it was to have the headstay swag fitting in the plastic end of the pole. BUT, when I do that first of all it is hard to keep it there as it wants to slide up the headstay. Once it leaves the fitting and slides up the headstay, the mast slowly drops down and the pole bends. When I bought my boat, the pole was bent at the base. I straightened it but each raise or lower causes the same problem. I think the repeated bending is taking its toll on the integrity of the stainless. The company video or another sailor video of stepping the mast just looks like the end of the pole stays at the swag end of the fitting or on the headstay. It seems to just stay put and not allow the mast to drop.
Since I have been having this problem, I have just been getting under the mast and raising it manually. For an 80 year old this is a problem. LOL Since I cannot do anything about my age, my efforts will be at the pole. Any help appreciated. BTW, my boat is NOT the day cat. The pic shows the length shorter than necessary to grab at the headstay swag. Sail on AL