Just purchased 1990 Hunter 35.5 with a topping lift-dutchman combination. Question why Hunter used line vs. wire for the topping lift?
LIne vs wire topping lift
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flexibility
depending on the line, it won't stretch much more than wire and considering it's not under that much tension, having flexible rope makes adjustment of the Dutchman much easier at little sacrifice.
depending on the line, it won't stretch much more than wire and considering it's not under that much tension, having flexible rope makes adjustment of the Dutchman much easier at little sacrifice.
changed mine
I replaced my fixed, vinyl-covered-wire topping lift with an adjustable, braided line one. The fixed one looked terrible. We put a nice bimini one the boat and the boom and bimini weren't a good match. The adjustable one fit the bill. Of course, I needed a new main as well
I replaced my fixed, vinyl-covered-wire topping lift with an adjustable, braided line one. The fixed one looked terrible. We put a nice bimini one the boat and the boom and bimini weren't a good match. The adjustable one fit the bill. Of course, I needed a new main as well
Line vs wire
If you must have a topping lift for the Dutchman then line would be a far better choice. Wire is heavier, stiffer, and requires a different masthead sheave. The topping lift must be slackened when sailing so as not to interfere with sail shape, then re-tensioned for the Dutchman when ready to drop the main. If you don't have a Dutchman then get rid of it and put a good solid vang on in place of it. I dumped mine over ten years ago and was glad to see it gone.
If you must have a topping lift for the Dutchman then line would be a far better choice. Wire is heavier, stiffer, and requires a different masthead sheave. The topping lift must be slackened when sailing so as not to interfere with sail shape, then re-tensioned for the Dutchman when ready to drop the main. If you don't have a Dutchman then get rid of it and put a good solid vang on in place of it. I dumped mine over ten years ago and was glad to see it gone.
No Sheave Req'd
If you have a wire topping lift, then no sheave is req'd t the top of the mast. Since the line should have a loop and thimble at the top, only a small shackle is req'd to attach it to the masthead. The lower loop and thimble should have a small 1/4" block to receive a topping lift adjustment line . The line will then shackle to the end of the boom, also, go up and thru the block and back down to a cleat on the end/side of the boom to tighten or loosen the topping lift adjustment to level the boom when the main is raised.
If you have a wire topping lift, then no sheave is req'd t the top of the mast. Since the line should have a loop and thimble at the top, only a small shackle is req'd to attach it to the masthead. The lower loop and thimble should have a small 1/4" block to receive a topping lift adjustment line . The line will then shackle to the end of the boom, also, go up and thru the block and back down to a cleat on the end/side of the boom to tighten or loosen the topping lift adjustment to level the boom when the main is raised.
Interesting
Never thought of that..why do i have a topping lift line that goes all the way up and allthe way back down, it never gets moved more than bout 6". Next time the mast is down I think I will do that (run the line from masthead to boom, fixed length a little below level) Less ropes aloft (though i'll probably keep the spare halyard?) AND avoids the potential uncleating the topping lift and having the boom crash into the cockpit/ peoples heads!
Never thought of that..why do i have a topping lift line that goes all the way up and allthe way back down, it never gets moved more than bout 6". Next time the mast is down I think I will do that (run the line from masthead to boom, fixed length a little below level) Less ropes aloft (though i'll probably keep the spare halyard?) AND avoids the potential uncleating the topping lift and having the boom crash into the cockpit/ peoples heads!
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