More topping lift questions

[priariesailor]

I'm a not very experienced mid hole sailor from the Canadian prairies and some of the topping lift questions are confusing me.
The only use for a topping lift I can see os to keep the boom up when the sail is down. I have a line from the top of the mast down to a jam cleat mounted on the face of the boom end cap and then thru a Fairland on the bottom of the boom about six inches from the back end just to keep the line from flailing about. The bit of line hanging down from the fairlead is just ticked in. Works like a charm and is easy to adjust. I guess the only drawback is that you can only raise the boom as high as you can reach but can't see why you would need to go higher.
Am I missing something? I also have a quick release shackle at the bottom of the main sheet
Block and just swing the whole boom to one side and clip the quick release to a stanchion when at anchor with the main down. Comments appreciated.

 

[topcat0399]

Lots of ways to rig a topping lift; some folks use some topping lift when running - hard to adjust when your cleat is out on the boom end I'm thinking.

Our runs: boom end>mast head cheek block>mast base turning block>cabin top turning block>cockpit cam cleat.
I never mind having a spare line up the mast.

 

[RoyS]

I use it when slab reefing. It is easier to take in the main sail when you lift the boom. In my case all reefing is done at the mast end of the boom.

 

[BudGates]

With really light winds the boom may weigh the clue of the sail down too far to get decent sail shape. Tensioning the topping lift can help in this situation.

 

[timebandit]

I have a 1/4 inch line that goes to the top of the mast to the stern rail and back in a loop. It is used for a topping list, to run the flag up the back stay and in an emergency a halyard. I also use the pig tail, cuz it's there.

 

[priariesailor]

That's what I was missing, thanks all.

 

[centerline]

as Topcat said, one can rig the topping lift anyway is works best for them.

here are photos of the way mine is rigged.... the top lift wire terminates 3ft above the boom, with a block hanging on it, and the adjusting line runs from the boom, up thru the block and then back down to the cam cleat.... the knot in the end of the adjusting line prevents the boom from ever dropping into the cockpit... very simple to pull the line and lift the boom out of the way when not under sail.....