The spinnaker pole is such a beast that I rarely use it anymore, unless say on a long trade wind passage.

When sailing downwind with the 100% jib last summer I tested for length with a boat hook. The 9 ft pole should be a cinch to hook up, and probably won't even need a topping lift, fore guy or after guy. The sheet lead is just aft of the shrouds, so the whisker pole will bisect a fairly short length of sheet between the sail and the deck. I should have done this year's ago.

Thanks again for all the suggestions, including protecting the metal.
Max