Anyone experience a slipping J pole

[alsantini]

I know a personal problem...  LOL.  When I raise or lower the mast I use the J pole.  It almost always slips off of the headstay fitting allowing it to slide up the headstay.  This puts a bit of a bend in the pole which makes the next use even worse.  I checked the length of the pole and it is the standard length.  I know the mast has been replaced on my Horizon, but I don't think that is the issue.  In a video of a daycat, I noticed a clamp placed on the headstay about an inch or so from the fitting probably to prevent the pole from sliding.
Question:  is this a common problem?  How have you solved it?  Will the clamp affect the strength of the headstay in the long term?
Thanks in advance.  Sail On  AL

[alsantini]

With 39 sailors reading my post, No one answers the question?  Even a yes or no would be helpful....

[SJMason]

Hi Al,

I'm watching your question for the answer as well. I have only hand raised the mast on my Horizon Cat. I don't believe I have anything that keeps the pole from slipping, but will check when I get back to Michigan closer to Thanksgiving.

Stephen

[MarshHen]

I hear you but don't have the Mast-tender plus system on my boat.  I assume that is what you are talking about.  Or are you using an actual jib pole in some manner?