How to use topping lift i have 1987 oday le thanks
- Thread starter mavourneen
- Start date
We probably need a little info about how your particular boat and topping lift are set up.
@rgranger linked a quick tutorial, but boats can be set up differently.
On my O’Day 322, the topping lift was rope, went from the back of the boom, up to the top of the mast, over a sheave, down the inside of the mast, and it exited 5 feet above the deck. There is a cleat ton the mast to secure the line.
I almost never messed with the topping lift, it kept the boom out of the cockpit when the sail was down. Other than that, I never really messed with it. I tried to replace the old crusty rope and realize the sheave is broken…so I went with a Seldon rod kicker. No more topping lift.
I will replace the sheave when I pull the mast for some other work in the next year…but for now, not really needed.
Other boats have the TL fixed at both the top of the mast and the end of the boom…other have adjustment tackle at the end of the boom… still others use a pig tail tied to the backstay to hold up the boom when the sail is down.
So, if you have a photo, we can give a lot better advice.
Good luck with your O’Day!
Greg
@rgranger linked a quick tutorial, but boats can be set up differently.
On my O’Day 322, the topping lift was rope, went from the back of the boom, up to the top of the mast, over a sheave, down the inside of the mast, and it exited 5 feet above the deck. There is a cleat ton the mast to secure the line.
I almost never messed with the topping lift, it kept the boom out of the cockpit when the sail was down. Other than that, I never really messed with it. I tried to replace the old crusty rope and realize the sheave is broken…so I went with a Seldon rod kicker. No more topping lift.
I will replace the sheave when I pull the mast for some other work in the next year…but for now, not really needed.
Other boats have the TL fixed at both the top of the mast and the end of the boom…other have adjustment tackle at the end of the boom… still others use a pig tail tied to the backstay to hold up the boom when the sail is down.
So, if you have a photo, we can give a lot better advice.
Good luck with your O’Day!
Greg
jssailem
SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
- Oct 22, 2014
- 23,727
Tally ho thanks for your response your original assessment of the topping lift is similar to mine it runs through the mast and goes to the tip of the boom I never really fiddled with it the only time I actually used it was the remove the boom for winter storage but I think from now on I'll adjust it when the sales are up I think the information you gave me was very informative thank you so much smooth sailing
In very light air, you can tighten the topping lift to reduce the weight of the boom, which helps keep the leech open. But mostly it is used to support the boom when the the sail is not supporting it, some boats are easier to reef if you first tighten the topping lift and then ease it after pulling in the reef. Many boats are able to set it and forget it. Others it will interfere with main sail shape if not eased. If it comes down the mast like a halyard and is adjusted at the mast it can be used as an emergency replacement main halyard.
