What to do with the topping lift?

[smokey73]

I recently installed a rigid vang but still have the topping lift attached. The topping lift will need to be replaced if I decide to keep it. It is currently line/wire but if I replace it I would use it as a "spare halyard." . If you have installed a rigid boom vang and kept your topping lift, where/how to secure it?

Thanks in advance

 

[dlochner]

Most people who have a rigid vang, use the main halyard as a topping lift when not sailing. It also solves the halyard slapping problem.

 

[jssailem]

I secure my lift at the starboard shroud or at the mast depending on wind and banging, when not in use.

I find it helpful as an emergency halyard, a lifting line, a support line of using the boom to crane a heavy weight on board. I have suspended tarps and play craft (dinghy or kayak) form the topping lift to get the thing aboard. A useful tool when available.

 

[smokey73]

@jssailem I'm thinking it would be a good idea to convert the topping lift to an "emergency Halyard" and to have something to support the end of the mast for lifting, etc. I don't think I need the topping lift function with the rigid vang now but hate to give it up. I was thinking of just tying it off to the outer shroud to keep it out of the way.

What type/size of line would you all suggest for this purpose?

 

[Tally Ho]

I went to a rigid vang last year. I did not replace the TL (yet). I dont really need it, but using it as a spare halyard is a good idea. My sheave seems messed up, so I used the line as a new spinnaker halyard (which I needed).

I have used my main halyard to support the boom while at the dock, but not really sure it is needed. I got lazy and just secured it to my shroud (which has a little cleat on it for the flag line up to the spreader).

The rigid vang seems robust enough without needing the support from a TL.

Greg

 

[dlochner]

I went to a rigid vang last year. I did not replace the TL (yet). I dont really need it, but using it as a spare halyard is a good idea. My sheave seems messed up, so I used the line as a new spinnaker halyard (which I needed).

I have used my main halyard to support the boom while at the dock, but not really sure it is needed. I got lazy and just secured it to my shroud (which has a little cleat on it for the flag line up to the spreader).

The rigid vang seems robust enough without needing the support from a TL.

Greg

The rigid vang will support the mast, however, there are two issues to deal with, one is supporting the mast and the other is preventing or reducing the amount the boom swings while at dock or anchored. Since the rigid vang is spring loaded, it will cause the boom to bounce up and down, this wears on the vang and the shackles attaching the mainsheet to the traveler and boom. And, with all that movement, the vang may well squeak a lot.

It is best to stabilize the boom, a topping lift or using the main halyard is one part. The other part is using the traveller, main sheet, and a third line to secure the boom. The less the boom moves, the less wear on the shackles connecting the traveller to the sheet. Notice the wear on the first and last shackles, it's not the best photo, but there is significant wear and reduction in strength. Left unchecked the wear can result in a catastrophic failure in the shackles leading to a wildly flailing boom.

 

[JBP-PA]

You could use it for flags in parades.

 

[Tally Ho]

The rigid vang will support the mast, however, there are two issues to deal with, one is supporting the mast and the other is preventing or reducing the amount the boom swings while at dock or anchored. Since the rigid vang is spring loaded, it will cause the boom to bounce up and down, this wears on the vang and the shackles attaching the mainsheet to the traveler and boom. And, with all that movement, the vang may well squeak a lot.

It is best to stabilize the boom, a topping lift or using the main halyard is one part. The other part is using the traveller, main sheet, and a third line to secure the boom. The less the boom moves, the less wear on the shackles connecting the traveller to the sheet. Notice the wear on the first and last shackles, it's not the best photo, but there is significant wear and reduction in strength. Left unchecked the wear can result in a catastrophic failure in the shackles leading to a wildly flailing boom.

View attachment 226817

Hi Dave,

Yes, I do have a line that I use to keep the boom from swinging around when at the dock.

If you look at this photo, you can see a line (on old vang setup) that I use to hold the boom over to one side.

Greg

 

[jssailem]

Size is dependent on the sheave. I suspect 5/16 to 7/16 is viable. I lean to 3/8th for feel.
Indeed, on the shroud, it makes sense to store the line.
Dacron double braid meets a servicable line at a budgetable price.

 

[Rick D]

I have a rigid vang, but no topping lift. I secure the boom with the main halyard attached to the end of the mast and a steadying line run from the handrail to the main sheet tackle. That's a lot of weight to support the boom. If I were you, I would refresh the topping lift and use it as a boom support when moored FWIW.

 

[thinwater]

A full strength topping lift makes a good safety line for mast climbing.

 

[smokey73]

If I were you, I would refresh the topping lift and use it as a boom support when moored FWIW.

That's my plan. @thinwater When you say "full strength" topping lift what do you mean? I plan on using a double braid, probably Sta-Set. My old topping lift is a rope/wire type with the rope going over the sheave and then connected to a wire from just below the masthead running to the end of the boom. I want to replace the whole thing with all rope and I guess the best thing is to measure the size of the old rope (it is worn out and must be replaced) and then use the size that it is now. That way I'll know for sure what size will "fit." I believe it is about a 7/16 or 1/2 but I'll check tomorrow. I've got an inquiry into the forum store on their recommendation for size and length.

 

[jssailem]

measure the size of the old rope

The best is to measure the sheave. If you can’t do that then the scond best is to measure the diameter of the old rope.

Rope sizes in sheaves.


Sheaves for wire/rope halyards typically have a second inner groove in the center designed for the wire section of the halyard. For the wire/rope halyard’s on my boat, that is the way my original sheaves were designed. When I changed over to all rope halyards we sanded the sheave to remove that inner grove so the sheave would more smoothly handle the rope.