Adjustable topping Lift on a Hunter 23

[Tallgrass Sailor]

The 'topping lift' I have is a ratty fixed length of line (1/4 or 5/16") running from the end of the boom up the top of the mast next to the main halyard. I can only clip it on a shackle on the end of the boom. There is no adjustment. The line does hold the boom level when the main is not hoisted.

I know an adjustable topping lift is better than a fixed static line to hold the boom about level when the sail are down, among using the t' lift to help shape the main in light air on a broad reach. BTW, I don't have 'boom kicker' or plan to get one anytime soon. I'm over budget for the season.

Does anyone want to share some details/suggestions about their adjustable topping lifts on their boat?

Thanks,

Brad O.

PS Would having an adjustable topping lift have anything to do with the unused pair of sheaves located fore and aft in my boom on each side of the outhaul?

 

[Ray T]

First of all you need a longer line. The line should run from the top of the mast through a block at the end of the boom and then forward to a cleat.

 

[Ray T]

Sorry, I wasn't able to finish. you need a cleat about mid boom or where it's conveniant to reach. The cleat should have two bolts with a hole in the middle through witch you pass the line. Leave enough line untill you determine how much you are going to need. Leave enough line so that it clears the leech of the sail and not a whole lot more. After you determine how much line you need cut it off to length and tie a stopper knot so it will not come out of the cleat. 1/4" line will be plenty strong for this.

 

[Don3098]

I suspect your H-23 is similar to my H-26. At the end of my boom are three sheaves, and there is a three-sheave deck organizer on my coachroof, with lines led to a rope clutch next to the starboard winch. I installed an adjustable topping lift which runs from the top of the mast, then through a sheave at the end of the boom, forward inside the boom to a sheave where it adjoins the mast, then down to a sheave at the mast foot, then to the deck organizer, and finally to the rope clutch. I can easily adjust the topping lift from the cockpit. This feature has been in place for about 10 years, and it works very well.

 

[Tallgrass Sailor]

Thanks for the advice guys.

Brad

 

[DJN51]

If you trailer launch ,easy way to rig is run line from top of mast to small shackle on line about 5 to 6 feet above cockpit sole,then using topping line through boom attach to shackle .makes it easy to undue for trailering instead of dealing with 30 ft of line.Other line through boom will be reefing line