336 Topping Lift Affecting Sail Shape

[Canoe1951]

I'm a new owner of a 97 Hunter 336. The main has a postive roach, meaning the main can't pass by the topping lift when I tack. So on a port tack, depending on how the topping lift is set it may affect sail shape. The topping lift is currently extended to the base of the mast, but there's enough line to continue to the cockpit. I would have to re-distribute some lines to the starboard side to have a clutch. The Duchman lines run from the boom to the topping lift at two places.

The question is how usefull is the topping lift if I installed a rigid vang. It could remain in place to support the Dutchman lines, but be set very loosely so as not to affect sail shape. Any sources for a rigid vang and cost? Is there any benefits or drawbacks to a rigid vang?

canoe
97 Hunter 336

 

[Alan]

Yes you could do this with a rigid vang. BTW a rigid vang is a great addition. When you loosen the topping lift for sailing you will need to tension it again to use the Dutchman effectively. Under no circumstances should you sail with any tension in a topping lift, it should be completely slack. The damn thing is such a pain, I removed mine completely years ago.