Topping list snap hook

[davidpm]

On another boat we had a cable about 12" long with a snap hook on the end connected to the back stay just over head. It was useful to hook to the back of the boom so when working on stowing the sail their was less movement and no need to depend on the main sheet being tight.

Is this considered a generally good idea or was it just a special feature on this one boat?

[Stillraining]

I have seen that feature on may boats....It basically preforms the job of a Gallows...and in a smaller since a topping lift

[artbyjody]

My Catalina had that as well. It was kinda handy, and a nice second measure to control the boom from swaying back and forth at dock or while motoring. You can create one similar by using a Man Overboard Pole - backstay mount, and running a short bit of spectra line from where the pole would be normally, and attach a spring clip to the line. Otherwise, I think a rigger would have to pull the backstay and do that little splice routine - which could be a bit costly...

[sailingdog]

Personally, I don't like them. They're no where near as versatile as a true topping lift. You really can't use them when the main sail is up at all unless you're head to wind.

They can't help support the boom when you're reefing the mainsail or raising/lowering it.

[davidpm]

Originally Posted by sailingdog

They can't help support the boom when you're reefing the mainsail or raising/lowering it.

Don't you typically head into the wind when raising or lowering the main?

We don't have lazyjacks.

[knothead]

Originally Posted by sailingdog

Personally, I don't like them. They're no where near as versatile as a true topping lift. You really can't use them when the main sail is up at all unless you're head to wind.

They can't help support the boom when you're reefing the mainsail or raising/lowering it.

I agree. I don't like them either, (especially after I've realized that I forgot to slide the oval sleeve on before swaging both ends).
Seriously though. A topping lift is not difficult at all to rig up and it will serve you much better than that pennant mechanically attached to your backstay.

If you need to hold your boom a little steadier sometimes, then just have a 5' piece of 5/16" line ready and tie a couple of rolling hitches around the backstay from the boom.

Steve

[DrB]

I have one and like it, but I also have a topping lift. The Backstay "topping Lift" is used, by me anyway, to elevate the boom about a foot so that it makes it easier for me to walk around the cockpit without ducking or hit my head. I never sail with it on, my regular topping lift is always attached and takes over when I disconnect the backstay top lift.

The nice thing about the backstay topping lift is that I don't have to readjust the height for storing the boom or sailing.

Worth it in my opinion.

DrB

[sailingdog]

Yes, but what happens if you get hit by a windshift. With a true topping lift, the boom can move, with the backstay topping lift, the boom is pretty much constrained by the backstay and the length of the short cable, which might lead to a knockdown. YMMV.

Originally Posted by davidpm

Don't you typically head into the wind when raising or lowering the main?

We don't have lazyjacks.