Boom help

[phdoc]

I was putting the boom on my 25' Mac for the first time alone since I bought her and I wasn't sure how to hold it up at the end. Then I realized that the line that had been floating around from the top of the mast was for this purpose, I think.

Is that how you hold the end of the boom up while the mainsail is down? Is it a line (rope) or a stay (wire) with a shackle? Also, the previous owner gave me a set of blocks and line (he never used them), which looks like a boom vang, but I don't know where to attach it to the bottom of the mast (or at least that is where I think it goes from previous experience)? Or is this the block and lines that go to the traveler?

One more question (as I get used to this boat I'll have more I am sure), is the boom traveler supposed to be located right in front of the companion way?

Thanks,
Bill

 

[oldiesrocker2001]

Topping lift

It sounds like you have a topping lift(some are adjustable)and you've guessed right. This line stays attached to the back end of the boom even when the sails are up and is somewhat useful for controlling sail shape. This long line, however is not to be confused with a short wire perhaps hanging from a backstay in the same general area of the boom end. This other pigtail is only useful when securing the boom and sails at the end of the day and is not used under sail(if you have one try to clip it to it's backstay out of the way of the sail once the main sail is up).

 

[phdoc]

Block and lines

Thanks.
How about the traveler/boom vang block and lines I found? If it is the traveler piece, is the rail for the traveler suppoesed to be right in front of the cabin entry way? If it is the boom vang, where does it connect to the mast?

Thanks again. I am a fairly novice sailer and a very new boat owner.
Bill

 

[dancing bear]

Re: Block and lines

At the top of the boom, there is supposed to be a bracket made out of two pieces of metal, about six inches long, pointing aft. Your topping lift is supposed to go from this bracket the end of the boom. The bracket keeps the topping lift from brushing up against the sail.