Boom rigging Pearson 30

[isleofwood]

I just bought an abandoned Pearson 30 that has been left alone for over 6 years. I am going to replace most of the halyards for safety sake but I am confused by an extra halyard that appears to be bolted at the masthead. This wire to line might be meant as a topping lift but after it reaches the boom end, I am still left with about 20 feet of 1/2" line? This mystery line is just forward of the backstay at the masthead. I originally thought this might have been a halyard for a second foresail that had gotten lose and the shackle was now jammed in the masthead. Looking at it with binoculars, it appears to be fixed to the masthead. Any help would be appreciated!

[RichH]

Topping lift on a P30 is wire ... terminates to a block. The 'rope part' runs from the boom end ... up to the block on the wire .... back down to a cheek block on the boom aft end ... then runs forward on the boom to a horned cleat about in the middle of the boom. Thats the 'typical' P30 topping lift set-up.

[isleofwood]

Originally Posted by RichH

Topping lift on a P30 is wire ... terminates to a block. The 'rope part' runs from the boom end ... up to the block on the wire .... back down to a cheek block on the boom aft end ... then runs forward on the boom to a horned cleat about in the middle of the boom. Thats the 'typical' P30 topping lift set-up.

Thank you for the quick reply about the topping lift. Unfortunatly, there is no block on the wire to run up to.
I am assuming that the wire leaving the masthead, which is spliced with the rope line half way down, will simply go through the aft boom block, next to the "outhaul" block, and then run along the boom to the cleat.
Thing is, I don't even need a topping lift as there is a small wire and snap shackle off the backstay to hold the mast up when the mainsail is down.
I have looked at other P30's and each one has a different rig. Just have to go with trial and error. Thanks again RichH for the knowledgable reply!

[RichH]

Originally Posted by isleofwood

Thing is, I don't even need a topping lift as there is a small wire and snap shackle off the backstay to hold the mast up when the mainsail is down.

The 'wire' that is attached to the backstay is only used to keep the boom from 'swinging around' when the boat is anchored, in a slip, or on a mooring. The topping lift IS needed when reefing the mainsail. Otherwise the boom will be in the cockpit when reefing or when raising / lowering the main. The 'secondary' use of the topping lift on a P30, etc. is to slightly 'raise' the boom when sailing in ultra-light wind conditions to take the boom's 'weight' off the sail.

[harrissteve11]

which wire are you attached to backstay ? what are its benefits ?

Regards
Harris Steve
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