Stern Flagpole & Flag Size

[Whidbey Cruiser]

I'm a new C28 owner and purchased a 20" x 30" American flag for the stern. After retrieving my stock stainless flag pole, I realized the flag was way too large for the pole. The connectors are only spaced 12" vertically apart and do not "slide or adjust" so I purchased a 12" x 18" flag that fits fine but looks rather small in proportion to the boat. My question is, has anybody found a way to modify the flagpole to accommodate a larger American flag?

 

[baz]

I use a wooden flag pole and use a flag size of my choice.

The boats traditionally came with wooden flag poles but of late they are now delivered with a SS flag pole accommodating a fixed 12" sized flag. The only way I figured to use a larger than 12" flag was to use a clamp further down toward the SS pole's base.

 

[Smcavana]

From our sailboat days, we understood the rule of thumb to be an inch of flag width for each foot of boat length, so we bought a 24" flag for our R27 Classic (close enough).

 

[fishheadbarandgrill]

Regarding size of flags flown from the stern... From the US Power Squadron.

"The national ensign flown at a flag staff at the stern of your boat should be one inch on the fly for each foot of overall length."

 

[Whidbey Cruiser]

Regarding size of flags flown from the stern... From the US Power Squadron.

"The national ensign flown at a flag staff at the stern of your boat should be one inch on the fly for each foot of overall length."

This was why I want to fly a 20 x 30" flag for my 32' LOA vessel. Seems strange that the stock flagpole can only handle a 12" x 18" flag. I guess I need to buy a different flagpole or modify the existing one to accommodate the larger flag.

 

[holdendodge]

I use a heavy duty zip tie. Seems to work great as have not had an issue in four years; flag is two by three feet.

 

[Seaquel]

Just a practical word of caution when flying a flag from the stern, especially if you want a large size. On boats with swim platforms, this is valuable real estate that can be cluttered and rendered difficult to use if flying the flag in the stern position.

Since we use our swim platform extensively: for deploying/retrieving the dinghy; for access to the propane locker; for access to the BBQ, etc., we chose to abandon this location and instead fly the U.S. flag from the mast, completely out of the way but still proudly and prominently displayed.

I realize the stern position is the most "traditional" location, but not all boats accommodate this and as noted, on our more compact cruisers you may find that practical considerations override tradition.