A topping lift is usually a line that goes to a block at the aft end of the masthead, and then runs down the mast. It is generally used to lift the boom when the mainsail is being lowered, while the mainsail is furled, and while the mainsail is being hoisted.
You might want to get the owner's manual for the boat from
HERE.
They also have the rigging specifications, located
HERE. It appears that there was not a topping lift on the boat as it was originally rigged. There was a Spinnaker topping lift, but not a boom topping lift.
As for the canvas, any decent marine canvas shop should be able to make the skirt. There should be some sort of fasteners on the inside of the poptop as well as on the cabin top around it, which were originally used to fasten it. Upgrading the fittings can make the poptop far easier to install. For instance, using a boltrope and track, instead of snaps.
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Sailingdog
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Telstar 28
New England
You know what the first rule of sailing is? ...Love. You can learn all the math in the 'verse, but you take
a boat to the sea you don't love, she'll shake you off just as sure as the turning of the worlds. Love keeps
her going when she oughta fall down, tells you she's hurting 'fore she keens. Makes her a home.
—Cpt. Mal Reynolds, Serenity (edited)
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