Falling Boom

[Plymouth Sailor]

I've sailed for a number of years however I'm no expert on rigging. My boom has a topping lift on it which as most people know is nice since it keeps the boom from falling while the boat is stationary. However and obviously, it can't be attached while sailing since it impedes the mainsail from doing it's job. I need suggestions on how to prevent my mainsail from falling while sailing. Can I run a line from the mast head to the boom or would this act as does the topping lift, impeding the sails performance? Suggestions appreciated!

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

Boom vang.

 

[Plymouth Sailor]

Have one but it doesn't hold up the boom.

 

[dlochner]

I've sailed for a number of years however I'm no expert on rigging. My boom has a topping lift on it which as most people know is nice since it keeps the boom from falling while the boat is stationary. However and obviously, it can't be attached while sailing since it impedes the mainsail from doing it's job. I need suggestions on how to prevent my mainsail from falling while sailing. Can I run a line from the mast head to the boom or would this act as does the topping lift, impeding the sails performance? Suggestions appreciated!

Depending upon how it is rigged a topping lift can remain attached. What is needed is a way to slack the topping lift so that it does not interfere with the mainsail. This can be done by placing a small block and tackle at the end of the topping lift. When sailing release the tension, when your done, take up the tension.

While sailing the mainsail leech will support the boom. If it doesn't then the sail may not be cut correctly or it may be the wrong sail.

Alternatively, the mainsail may not be at its full hoist or if the gooseneck is adjustable, it may be too low.

With respect to @Don S/V ILLusion suggestion of a boom vang, a rigid vang or a boom kicker will support the boom, but the main support should come from the leech of the sail.

 

[Plymouth Sailor]

Awesome idea! Thank you.

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

Have one but it doesn't hold up the boom.

Therein lies the problem.

That is a relatively small boom easily held by a rigid vang

 

[The Shadow Knows]

Saab,

I use a mechanical boom vang called Yacht Rod by Forespar.
It is spring loaded & has mechanical pin stops to set just how far
your boom will hang down when your sail is doused.

For your size boat, the model# is 352001. If the topping lift should fail, the boom will drop only
down to your set pin setting. I didn't like the hydraulic styles for obvious reasons.

And, you know why it's called a BOOM right? This way, there's no need to wear a construction helmet.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

On I phone so which boat are we talking about. I have a couple suggestions as a former dealer if smaller boat which I use to install on Hunter trailerables

 

[Scott T-Bird]

I don't understand why you have a problem while sailing. Why does your boom drop when the sail should be holding it at the proper level? I can think of only 3 reasons why the boom should hang in an improper manner.
1. The sail is cut incorrectly.
2. You aren't raising the sail fully.
3. The sail has an excessively long leech by design - I've never seen this but I've heard that some designers have done this to increase sail area. The boom purposely drops at the end (so I guess this wouldn't exactly be "improper").
This assumes that the height of the boom at the gooseneck hasn't been altered from original design.

While sailing, you shouldn't need a topping lift or a rigid vang for the boom to be essentially at the correct angle. You will have to describe what is the matter.

 

[justsomeguy]

I can think of only 3 reasons why the boom should hang in an improper manner.

Amending possibility #2, shrunken bolt rope on the luff?

 

[Scott T-Bird]

Amending possibility #2, shrunken bolt rope on the luff?

bingo! excellent point

 

[JamesG161]

However and obviously, it can't be attached while sailing since it impedes the mainsail from doing it's job.

Not so obvious, to me.
I have a boom vang, traveler, and boom lift. I must use the boom lift to maintain my boom angle on "in-mast" furling.
Why? Infinite reefing as we furl the main into the mast.

The boom lift should not ever interfere at all with the Main Sail.

Boom lift maintains the proper angle for the "Cut of Your Main Sail'
Jim...

 

[Charlie Jones s/v Tehani]

I use a topping lift- it has a loop that hooks under a cleat at the mast (by the main halyard cleat) and is set so when the loop is unhooked the lift rides clear of the sail.

Go to mast, hoist main, when fully hoisted, un hook topping lift and then go sail. When dropping sail, hook topping lift, then lower sail.
My boom is a box section wooden boom, 12 feet long. You tend to NOT forget to hook that lift

no biggie

 

[thinwater]

The OP needs to explain better.

In fact, in very light air the lift is one way to add twist to the mainsail if the boom is too heavy. The heavier the boom, the more essential. You can disconnect it while sailing, but if properly adjusted, there is generally no need. (The obvious corollary is that it must be adjustable; perhaps this is the underlying problem, that his is fixed in length.)

 

[Plymouth Sailor]

Old Hunter 25

 

[Plymouth Sailor]

 

[Scott T-Bird]

Very nice looking boat! As said before, you shouldn't have a problem while sailing. How old is your mainsail? If the end of the boom droops unusually while sailing (with the topping lift slackened), I'd guess that the main hasn't been raised properly, probably due to shrunken bolt rope, as jsg suggests. No boat of this type and vintage has ever depended on a rigid vang or anything similar to maintain the proper sail shape and boom height.

 

[dlochner]

View attachment 149766

Judging by how small the furled mainsail is, it is time to invest in a new mainsail. The cloth is probably very soft and stretched out. This lends credence to the shrunken bolt rope theory.

To make an adjustable topping lift, you can use one of these fiddle blocks at the boom, http://www.apsltd.com/29mm-fiddle-v-jam-cleat-tube-rivet.html, and a small block with a becket attached to the existing topping lift (which will probably need to be shortened). Then rig a small diameter line ¼" or 5/16" through the blocks. On the mooring, tighten the line, when sailing loosen it. Or in the conditions @thinwater mentioned, take up some tension to raise the boom.

 

[Whatfiero1]

Ok so the outhall could be issue if let it way out and missing a car at leach the boom could fall in your lap

 

[Meriachee]

Judging by how small the furled mainsail is, it is time to invest in a new mainsail.

Good catch. Shouldn't the main sail kinda fit on the whole boom? This one (admittedly inside the sail cover) looks like it only extends 2/3 of the way back? In the words of the famous Wendy's grandma lady, "where's the beef?"