Topping lift

[denby]

The topping lift on my O'day 302 is 3/32 steel cable from the boom to just about the top of the mast, then spliced onto 3/8 line. I would like to replace it with all line so I can control it from the cockpit. What type and size line should I use.

Thanks

[knothead]

Originally Posted by denby

The topping lift on my O'day 302 is 3/32 steel cable from the boom to just about the top of the mast, then spliced onto 3/8 line. I would like to replace it with all line so I can control it from the cockpit. What type and size line should I use.

Thanks

Dennis, I'm not understanding. Where is the line led after it is spliced to the wire?

[bestfriend]

Denby, try looking at samsonrope.com or nerope.com (new england ropes) they both have size charts.

I think you would want 8mm? or 5/16. Also depends on your usage and type of line.

[Stillraining]

Probably the same size as spliced on now as that is the size for the combo shiv in the mast head...As far as type a little stretch is no big deal on topping lift so any good sheet line will do.

[denby]

Originally Posted by knothead

Dennis, I'm not understanding. Where is the line led after it is spliced to the wire?

The line comes down the inside of the mast and out the starboard side to a cleat. I want to run it to a block at the base of the mast then to a clutch an into the cockpit.

[sailingdog]

Use 3/8" Sta-Set-X. Make sure you check the masthead sheave. If it has a v-shaped groove, replace it... also check the slot for wear or damage caused by the wire.

You want the line strong enough to be used as a replacement mainsail halyard or to go up on, in case you lose the mainsail halyard up the mast.

Sta-SetX is a good, affordable, low-stretch line...though it is a bit stiff for sheets...makes good halyards though.

Knothead-

Believe Denby wants to replace the topping lift with an all-line piece that is long enough to be led back to the cockpit. It probably terminates on the mast at this point in time. He's generally not too clear, but I've gotten used to interpreting for him.

[knothead]

Originally Posted by sailingdog

Use 3/8" Sta-Set-X. Make sure you check the masthead sheave. If it has a v-shaped groove, replace it... also check the slot for wear or damage caused by the wire.

Knothead-

Believe Denby wants to replace the topping lift with an all-line piece that is long enough to be led back to the cockpit. It probably terminates on the mast at this point in time. He's generally not too clear, but I've gotten used to interpreting for him.

That makes sense. If he wants to save a little money, He could extend the wire portion by shackling on a separate piece of vinyl coated wire and raising it to the masthead thereby lengthening the topping lift enough to get to the cockpit. That way he might not have to deal with the sheaves or change anything.

[sailingfool]

Do you really need to adjust the topping lift often? Do you have something like a bimini that you upt up and down, requiring adjusting the boom height?

Otherwise you should be able to set the topping lift and forget it, I never touch mine until stripping th boom at the end of the season.

[denby]

Originally Posted by sailingdog

Use 3/8" Sta-Set-X. Make sure you check the masthead sheave. If it has a v-shaped groove, replace it... also check the slot for wear or damage caused by the wire.

You want the line strong enough to be used as a replacement mainsail halyard or to go up on, in case you lose the mainsail halyard up the mast.

Sta-SetX is a good, affordable, low-stretch line...though it is a bit stiff for sheets...makes good halyards though.

Knothead-

Believe Denby wants to replace the topping lift with an all-line piece that is long enough to be led back to the cockpit. It probably terminates on the mast at this point in time. He's generally not too clear, but I've gotten used to interpreting for him.

Thanks Dog, I think.

[sailingdog]

SF-

I often use the topping lift when I'm raising the mainsail, lowering the mainsail, shaking out a reef or putting in a reef. I also use the topping lift after I've furled the mainsail and covered it, so the boom doesn't rub against the bimini. It gets adjusted a lot on my boat.