Standing Rig Replacement

Justenuff · #1 (**permalink**) 06-05-2007

I have a 23' Kels from the 1970's that has the rear stay and the boom line from the same origination point on the top of the mast.

I am connnecting the rear stay with a 5/16 eye through a pin on the mast head. The boom line is also run from the same pin on mast head, creating a tough connection (both run through the same pin). I'd like to keep the pin setup on the mast head, but put together a ss connector that has two separate connectors for the boom line and rear stay.

Any hardware suggestions?

Thanks for the help

Boasun · #2 (**permalink**) 06-05-2007

By the boom line you probably mean the topping lift for the boom. Right?

Would need a drawing to comment on it.

But I believe you are talking about a padeye at the top of the mast. A pin is like a toggle used to secure a schackle or the clevis of a turnbuckle (for an example)

sailingdog · #3 (**permalink**) 06-05-2007

If the boom line is a topping lift, why don't you just run a small line from the back stay to the boom to act as a topping lift. That's how it is done on a lot of boats.

Justenuff · #4 (**permalink**) 06-05-2007

Yes, a topping lift. It is extremely simple now, (just a line attached to the mast head) and tied off to the end of the boom. Is there a way to use the single pin with a type of shackle that I haven't found so that the topping lift can be attached. A double shackle? See rough diagram attached as gif file.
I didn't want to get into modifying the mast head. The suggestion about the attachment to the rear stay is interesting, but not sure how it would be attached without modification of the standing rig.
thanks for the help

sailingdog · #5 (**permalink**) 06-05-2007

The topping lift I'm describing is just a short section of wire swaged or clamped to the existing backstay.

tenuki · #6 (**permalink**) 06-05-2007

the PO on my boat just tied a line to the pin at the masthead with a bowline knot. Worked just fine for years, I'll probably be doing the same when I replace the old line.

For the topping lift for your size boat I think having a pulley at the boom attachment with one of those special clam cleats is easier to use than the typical boom cleat.

Frank's Weekender Project - A Simple and Elegant Topping Lift

tenuki · #7 (**permalink**) 06-05-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by sailingdog

The topping lift I'm describing is just a short section of wire swaged or clamped to the existing backstay.

My boat has that, with a clip shackle on it so you just hook it on. It's damn annoying and is going away with my fresh rigging, will have one as described above now.

tenuki · #8 (**permalink**) 06-05-2007

Let me describe exactly how annoying. If you are standing on the seat at the back of the boat for whatever reason, or sitting/leaning on the top rail of the stern pulpit (my favorite position, reckless and foolish notwithstanding) the natural grab point is the backstay, right at the location the wire is nicopressed. which of course means it hooks your hand and riipppps it. Then there is getting the hook down and across to the back of the boom, as the heavy brass shackle swings around, knocking everyone in the cockpit upside the head. Then there is the wire connection at the nicopress on the hook, it of course has frayed, another opportunity to cut your hand. Then, once it is in place, you are constantly hitting your head on that wire coming off the end of the boom and angled over to the backstay. not to mention the frayed wire nicopress point right at eye level. and for all that it isn't adjustable, nor does it stay at the proper height as you move the traveler back and forth to provide access to the companionway or whatever.

Did I mention I think it's damn annoying?