Topping No-Lift and Z-Spar uncertainty

[Oceanis 440 NY]

Happy Spring Everyone!

So the spring has brought with it some challenges, including a need for a Hurth Transmission replacement (that's another post) and a new topping lift. The line was nearly shredded with the constant barrage of wind and now looks like a shoe string. Where can I find the line specs for the Topping Lift for the 440?

I am also uncertain whether the Z Spar rigid boom-vang can support the boom without the topping lift. It is currently being supported by a 2x4. Has anyone replaced the Z Spar or found a suitable part/spring/shock as an upgrade so the topping lift can be removed under sail?

Thank you for reading....

 

[DayDreamer41]

I would bet if you look right here in SBO stores you will find both what you need and the help you need to size it, they are a very knowledgeable group here at SBO.

 

[jssailem]

so the topping lift can be removed under sail?

Why would you not remove the topping lift under sail. Your sails are designed to carry the boom and the boom I’d designed to weight the Sail providing sail shape. If you raise the boom end with the topping lift you modify the sail shape. Not a desired action.

 

[Mechone]

My zspar boom-vang was not supporting ,I took it apart and dropped in about 1.5 inch delrin spacer and that fixed it. My buddies 375 boom- vang has holes drill thru every inch ( 5/16 ") and a pin so you can adjust the spring, that was my next step ,however the spacer seems to work

 

[Oceanis 440 NY]

The topping lift would only affect sail shape if it were taught when under sail, the main furling sail is not affected by the topping lift otherwise. I prefer not to remove it because it is not easy to get to with full canvas.

 

[Oceanis 440 NY]

Thank you Mechone. It is a solid vang but I believe there is no spacer. The pic is from the original boat paperwork so I'm sure the spacing mechanism is what is needed. Not sure I want to start drilling holes in it yet but thank you for the tip.

 

[DayDreamer41]

Our Rod Kicker was not holding the boom up what I thought was a tired gas shock turns out the gas shock was actually and option that wasn't purchased by the original owner, we do have a topping lift which essentially does the same thing, contacted SBO store they had the part to me in a couple of weeks and that was during hurricane season it wasn't cheap, but what is on these wonderful instruments of enjoyment.

 

[jssailem]

Oceanis. Releasing the topping lift so that the sail is controlled by the weight of the boom also serves the purpose. What it sounded like is that boom kicker was not functioning so you were supporting the boom with the topping lift while under sail. This would mean hat the sail was not functioning as intended. Removing the topping lift thus provided the sail the full opportunity to function as intended.

To often folk believe erroneously that the topping lift should be taut while under sail. This disrupts sail trim and limits full sail potential. If you loosen the topping lift after the sail is raised. Then you are in effect doing the same as removing the topping lift.

 

[Mechone]

Thank you Mechone. It is a solid vang but I believe there is no spacer. The pic is from the original boat paperwork so I'm sure the spacing mechanism is what is needed. Not sure I want to start drilling holes in it yet but thank you for the tip.

Mine is identical ,so I'm sure it will work 1.5 at the vang will raise the boom quite a bit and you will actually start using the spring ,compressing it and using the clutch.You may need more or less of a spacer ,you will have to find your sweet spot,thats why I considered drilling for pin ,but for now the last 2 years it's worked great. I still have a topping lift ,but it is slack,I use it more when I put the mast up every year to support boom ,while I install vang

 

[Brian D]

When at rest, the topping lift is used to support the boom, unless one has a cradle. However, when sailing, the topping lift is an integral part of a sail control system. It works in unison with the boomvang, outhual, mainsheet, downhaul, and halyard to shape the sail.

My topping lift is fixed so that when I go to lower the sail the boom does not fall into the cockpit. That is OK but limits my ability to get a good sail shape when on a broadreach. So I have installed two blocks at the top of my mast to allow one to be used as an adjustable topping lift.

Just my thoughts on the subject.

 

[Mechone]

When at rest, the topping lift is used to support the boom, unless one has a cradle. However, when sailing, the topping lift is an integral part of a sail control system. It works in unison with the boomvang, outhual, mainsheet, downhaul, and halyard to shape the sail.

My topping lift is fixed so that when I go to lower the sail the boom does not fall into the cockpit. That is OK but limits my ability to get a good sail shape when on a broadreach. So I have installed two blocks at the top of my mast to allow one to be used as an adjustable topping lift.

Just my thoughts on the subject.

My last boat had a fixed topping lift however a block was attached at the end above the boom ,running rigging ran thru the boom out a pulley thru block on topping lift and then tied off on end of boom . Came out of boom thru blocks back to cockpit letting you adjust topping lift.
With my spring loaded vang on this boat,I can control height of boom sail shape via clutch, without using topping lift

 

[Gunni]

Take the rigid boom off and pull it apart, it is very simple and a SS spring will slide out. Measure the length and compare it to the US Spar specification. Likely it has compressed through the years. They will sell you a new spring for less than $100. That will get your boom back into the proper configuration. The job is an easy DIY project.

Regarding your topping lift, if you want your topping lift to double as a spare halyard then make sure you get a suitable replacement size. I used 3/8”, which is adequate for use as a halyard.