Boom Topping Lift - Correct setup for 23.5?

[Julianna]

We have a new to us Hunter 23.5 and are struggling with the correct set up for the topping lift. Right now we have a line that runs from the top of the mast, which is cleated at the bottom of the back of the boom. It has a short tail. It doesn't seem safe or secure at all, and it is a pain to adjust. Is that the correct rigging? Other suggestions?

 

[Dennis W.]

Topping Lift Help

The arrangement that you have is not abnormal. You could add a cheek block aft of the cleat. Another option, if you have or changed to an open base cleat, is to run the line through the base of the cleat and put a stopper knot (figure 8) to prevent the boom from falling into the cockpit.

 

[Jonathan Costello]

Mine is in two pieces

My topping lift is in two pieces. The first piece is attached to the top of the mast anc comes down to the end of the boom where I have a bowline knot. The second piece that runs through the boom has a bowline knot at the end of the boom that is looped through the loop of the bowline knot connecting it to the piece from the top of the mast. This piece runs through the boom to the front of the boom through the jam cleat with a stopper knot at the front end. The piece hanging out the front of the boom with the stopper knot is short so the boom will only drop a little bit if the cleat were to slip and the boom won't drop on the deck. the two pieces are connected via bowlines so I can disconnect the two when dropping the mast and disconnecting the boom. I guess you could just disconnect it at the top of the mast every time. My topping lift came in two pieces when I bought the boatso I am used to it.

I'm sure if Crazy Dave sees your question he will respond with a better set up. Although my system may be the one he installed on the boat 14 years ago since he sold it to the oroiginal owners in 1994!

 

[Ray T]

Topping Lift

Julianna, The way I prefer is to have the line from the top of the mast run through a block at the end of the boom and then forward to a cleat with an open base. The line goes through the base of the cleat with a stopper knot to keep you from loseing it. When you are sailing just uncleat the line and let it fly. Make sure the line is long enough to clear the main. When I said uncleat the line I didnt mean to take the stopper knot out. Have Fun. Ray T