creating topping lift

[marcusn]

The used boat I recently purchased appears to have no extra line coming down from the top of the mast to create a topping lift.

I'm thinking I can create one by using the hook that comes off the back stay to secure the end of the boom. I'll add a small block to it, and then have the control line come up from the boom, through the newly added block (on the backstay) and back down to the boom and to a cleat. That way, I can control the boom height (when the sail drops) from the cockpit.

Anyone see any issues with this?

[Insails]

My boat has no topping lift but I may add one. I will not go through the hook on the back stay . If you are under sail and sheet out do you want that pressure on the back stay?? I don't think so ...Attach the lift to the boom and do away with the hook on the back stay.

[knothead]

Originally Posted by marcusn

The used boat I recently purchased appears to have no extra line coming down from the top of the mast to create a topping lift.

I'm thinking I can create one by using the hook that comes off the back stay to secure the end of the boom. I'll add a small block to it, and then have the control line come up from the boom, through the newly added block (on the backstay) and back down to the boom and to a cleat. That way, I can control the boom height (when the sail drops) from the cockpit.

Anyone see any issues with this?

If you have a short piece of flexible wire Nico-Pressed to the backstay with a snap shackle or hook of some sort on the end of it. The only time you should use it to hold up your boom is when your sail is depowered.

Those are only there to keep the end of the boom from falling into the cockpit when you lower and furl the sail.

Please, do not try to sail with the boom attached to the backstay!!

[Hartley18]

Originally Posted by marcusn

The used boat I recently purchased appears to have no extra line coming down from the top of the mast to create a topping lift.

I'm thinking I can create one by using the hook that comes off the back stay to secure the end of the boom. I'll add a small block to it, and then have the control line come up from the boom, through the newly added block (on the backstay) and back down to the boom and to a cleat. That way, I can control the boom height (when the sail drops) from the cockpit.

Anyone see any issues with this?

Marcus, there are really only two ways to properly control the boom when reefing or just plain raising and lowering the main:

1. A Topping Lift
2. A Boom Crutch

Some older-style boats with long booms do well with a boom crutch, but if you've got a fairly high-aspect-ratio main like most have, a topping lift will be your best option. If you run it from the cabin-top like an extra main halyard, it can have other uses in MOB recovery, mast maintenance, etc. too.

A clip off the backstay is used to stop the boom flogging around at anchor (like a boom crutch would), but doesn't offer any of the features of a proper topping lift, because it doesn't offer any support until the boom is safely clipped on - and at that point you've probably still got the mainsail up and flogging violently.

I hope this helps.

[marcusn]

You know those random thoughts that hit you in the middle of the night?
Yup. I realized (around 3:14am) that my question was very much a 'rooky' one.

Duh.
How could I let out the main sheet if the boom is tied to the backstay?

So, I guess I'll have to figure out how to rig a new topping lift.
I SERIOUSLY don't want to go up the mast myself, so I'll probably end up using the stay clip for a few weeks (yet to launch this year) and if I really miss the topping lift, I'll hire someone to do it for me. (fear of heights).

BTW, around 3:16am, I was on to thinking about how I might be able to use a homemade lazyjack system (or sorts) to double as topping lift... Nuts again?

[resdog]

Get rid of the topping lift all together and install a Boomkicker.

Boomkicker - K1000 for boats 25' to 30' Shop.Sailnet.com - sailing resources, shopping, sail, blogs

[rrgane]

Originally Posted by marcusn

BTW, around 3:16am, I was on to thinking about how I might be able to use a homemade lazyjack system (or sorts) to double as topping lift... Nuts again?

a friend of mine has a Freedom 32 with no topping lift, and has installed a lazy jack system with 5/16" line (i think) which doubles as his topping lift. works like a charm.

[sailingdog]

That's an awful lot of windage compared to a topping lift.

Originally Posted by rrgane

a friend of mine has a Freedom 32 with no topping lift, and has installed a lazy jack system with 5/16" line (i think) which doubles as his topping lift. works like a charm.