Re-rig topping lift

bestfriend · #1 (**permalink**) 06-21-2007

My Topping lift is a pain in the butt. It clips to the boom end, then runs into the mast and out to a cleat on the mast about three feet off the roof. Its a tiny cleat and I don't trust it. Obviously, the long term option will be to run the line through a block at the base and aft to the cockpit. However, I will need to install another clutch, and I am not ready to do that right now. So, how about a temporary solution of an adjustment on the boom end. Is there a standard set up for that? Some kind of block and tackle or carb block? Any personal favorites welcome too. I am sure I could whip something up that will work, but I like to hear suggestions first.

sailortjk1 · #2 (**permalink**) 06-21-2007

Try on of those Flying Jamb Cleats............

Can't you clip on a block and Tackle to the end of the boom?
I have seen this done before.

bestfriend · #3 (**permalink**) 06-21-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by sailortjk1

Try on of those Flying Jamb Cleats............

Can't you clip on a block and Tackle to the end of the boom?
I have seen this done before.

The block and tackle is what I have in mind, just wondering if there were any other ideas. Thanks Tim.

SVDistantStar · #4 (**permalink**) 06-21-2007

My '72 Pearson 36' has a cable that comes from the top of the mast down the to boom. Attached to the cable is a small block with a small peice of line running through it. The line is attached to the boom on one end and runs through a cheekblock on the end of the boom then goes to a cleat on the boom.

Maybe you could do something like that?

LaPlaya · #5 (**permalink**) 06-21-2007

A tether off of the backstay maybe?
AL

Faster · #6 (**permalink**) 06-21-2007

Not needing a topping lift at all is, to me, one of the best things about having a self supporting vang (mechanical or hydraulic)

Sadly, you're looking at $500-600 to go that route - but in the end you'll appreciate it!

sailortjk1 · #7 (**permalink**) 06-21-2007

I don't know, I have a ridgid vang. After the sails are rolled, I yank down pretty hard on the boom to keep it from swaying. I don't think the vang would support that much load.

mpraca · #8 (**permalink**) 06-21-2007

For a temporary solution I suggest (warning: about to promote my product again) use a tie like shown at the bottom left here Hitchcraft | Applications: boom preventer . I would not recommend it as a permanent solution specially for a boat over 30', but you can quickly rig it and get a feel for how well a small block and tackle would work. It may show you that it is too high to reach, or too dangerous to try to cleat it when the boom is way out. I agree that the best is a rigid vang, or a boom kicker.

bestfriend · #9 (**permalink**) 06-22-2007

Well, things change. Its going to cost at least 80 bucks to install block and tackle, and a double rope clutch from Lewmar is 125 bucks. So, I am just going to wait and install the extra clutches. Is it poor etiquette to have Lewmar and Spinlock clutches side by side? Will the Lewmars eat the Spinlocks? Just kidding. If the footprint is the same, I will switch to Lewmar, otherwise I will stick to Spinlock because the new ones have the same footprint as the old ones.

Freesail99 · #10 (**permalink**) 06-22-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by bestfriend

Just kidding. If the footprint is the same, I will switch to Lewmar, otherwise I will stick to Spinlock because the new ones have the same footprint as the old ones .

Have a look at garhauer marine, very well made and great pricing.