topping lift

[NOLAsailing]

I agree with both you guys. But I assumed the OP was saying he had this problem when he's not sailing, i.e. when the main is flaked and he snugs the sheet to keep the boom from swinging back and forth? Maybe not...

The halyard run back and clipped to the outhaul or a ring at the end of the boom and tentioned should prevent this. The halyard should be run back anyway as a courtesy to others in the marina.

[craigtoo]

Originally Posted by NOLAsailing

The halyard run back and clipped to the outhaul or a ring at the end of the boom and tentioned should prevent this. The halyard should be run back anyway as a courtesy to others in the marina.

*clang* *clang* *clang* *clang*

[craigtoo]

Originally Posted by JohnRPollard

Even if I had a boom kicker, I'd still want the topping lift. If you're seriously into racing and don't want the topping lift flailing around while sailing, you can design it to be quick release at the boom end and bring it forward to the mast when sailing...

Hey JRP,
What would you use the Toppinglift for if you had a boomkicker?

I've tied mine off to the mast and never use it except for MOB.

[JohnRPollard]

Originally Posted by craigtoo

Hey JRP,
What would you use the Toppinglift for if you had a boomkicker?

I've tied mine off to the mast and never use it except for MOB.

MOB recovery is one good reason. Most booms aren't made to support weight out at their ends while being jacked up only at the vang attachment point. I've seen more than a few that creased where a solid vang was attached. Not necessarily from MOB recovery (could have been a crew that climbed out to grab a line, or a few kids just laying across the top of the boom at anchor -- like mine do). A flexible boomkicker probably wouldn't crease the boom, but it might collapse.

Also, we have Dutchman lazyjacks that rig down from the topping lift.

[craigtoo]

Good stuff thanks John...

[captainmidnight]

agree with both you guys. But I assumed the OP was saying he had this problem when he's not sailing, i.e. when the main is flaked and he snugs the sheet to keep the boom from swinging back and forth? Maybe not...

Even if I had a boom kicker, I'd still want the topping lift. If you're seriously into racing and don't want the topping lift flailing around while sailing, you can design it to be quick release at the boom end and bring it forward to the mast when sailing...
THAT IS MONEY(as in he's correct!)

[NOLAsailing]

I just can't fathom the need for a topping AND a rigid vang/boom kicker. Can someone please explain that???

OP: just attach the main halyard to the boom end when you're at the dock and harden it up to keep the boom from striking the dodger or excessively swinging. Fast, simple - FREE.

[SEMIJim]

Originally Posted by ralphmacey

There is a rigid vang now, but when I sheet in the main the boom hits the top of the dodger.

Something isn't right, then. Either you're not hauling the main up all the way, it's blown-out or the dodger is too high.

Originally Posted by ralphmacey

Can the rigid vang be adjusted to prevent that from happening?

I don't know, for sure, but, if it could, it would have the same effect as using a topping lift to accomplish the same end: A floppy, misshapen, poorly-performing main. Except perhaps...

Don't quote me on this, but I believe there are conditions under which a topping lift is used to adjust the shape of the mainsail, in conjunction with vang sheeting. (This would be a performance racing technique.) I don't know if the same can be done with a rigid vang.

Jim

[blt2ski]

While I realize this thread is older, If the boom "IS" hitting the dodger, to me, the clew needs to be raised by cutting a small triangle out of the foot. OR, redo the dodger.

marty

[sailingdog]

Or the main isn't being hoisted completely... or the leech has blown out on an older sail and it needs to be replaced....

Originally Posted by blt2ski

While I realize this thread is older, If the boom "IS" hitting the dodger, to me, the clew needs to be raised by cutting a small triangle out of the foot. OR, redo the dodger.

marty