Here's my problem. I need to install a proper toping lift to replace the mickey mouse set-up currently on the boat, which is a pendant from the backstay to the end of the boom. I notice that most boats usually run the toping lift from the masthead, and use either a wire/rope line from the masthead to the boom or a haylard type of set-up. I was wondering why the mast end isn't usually fastened to the mast lower down, say just below the spreaders? I used to have a 17 foot boat with a 20 foot mast and the toping lift line went from the boom end up to a cheek block mounted on the side of the mast (about half way up) and then down to a cleat on the mast. I'd like to do the same on my 27 footer. That is, mount a cheek block on the mast below the spreader and run the line down to a second block either on the base of the mast or on the deck and then out to a cabin top rope clutch or cleat. So, is there a reason I haven't seen this done on larger boats? Thanks, Kevin p.s. My rig meas. are P=30, I=36, and E=9.7
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Interference
I would think that the topping lift would interfere with the main it you only ran it part way up the mast. You might consider a boom-kicker. It's probably under $200 and then you wouldn't need a topping lift.
I would think that the topping lift would interfere with the main it you only ran it part way up the mast. You might consider a boom-kicker. It's probably under $200 and then you wouldn't need a topping lift.
boomkicker
Iagree with Steve look into a boom kicker - mine works great on a Cat 30 - no toppin lift to worry about
Iagree with Steve look into a boom kicker - mine works great on a Cat 30 - no toppin lift to worry about
- Jan 22, 2008
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try to avoid wire rope
Depending on the weight of your boom, you may want to move from a wire rope to a nylon cord. My measurements are only 20 x 10 on my daysailer, and I thought I was smart by goint to a 1/16" ss aircraft wire... looked nice, but abraded the leech of the main and occasionally was thin enough to snag under the headboard. I am replacing it this spring with 1/8" nylon cord. I run it from the top of the mast with a small snap swivel, down to a small block at the aft end of the boom and back up about 6 inches to a cleat on the line itself. This allows me to adjust the topping lift and put it higher when I am not sailing, or slack it off when I am.
Depending on the weight of your boom, you may want to move from a wire rope to a nylon cord. My measurements are only 20 x 10 on my daysailer, and I thought I was smart by goint to a 1/16" ss aircraft wire... looked nice, but abraded the leech of the main and occasionally was thin enough to snag under the headboard. I am replacing it this spring with 1/8" nylon cord. I run it from the top of the mast with a small snap swivel, down to a small block at the aft end of the boom and back up about 6 inches to a cleat on the line itself. This allows me to adjust the topping lift and put it higher when I am not sailing, or slack it off when I am.
Boom Kicker Limits
I like my wire/rope topping lift because I can lift my boom up so I don't hit my head when I am at the dock. I don't think a $200.00 boom kicker would lift it high enough.
I like my wire/rope topping lift because I can lift my boom up so I don't hit my head when I am at the dock. I don't think a $200.00 boom kicker would lift it high enough.
topping lift vs boomkicker
Use a Boomkicker and swing the boom off-center when you are sitting around the cockpit.
Use a Boomkicker and swing the boom off-center when you are sitting around the cockpit.
Best of both worlds
If you install a rigid vang, a la Garhauer, you can do away with the topping lift completely, lift the boom to anywhere you want it (well, almost), and control the boom better than a soft vang when under sail. Cost isn't that much more than a soft vang, and it sure is nice to do away with the line from the masthead.
If you install a rigid vang, a la Garhauer, you can do away with the topping lift completely, lift the boom to anywhere you want it (well, almost), and control the boom better than a soft vang when under sail. Cost isn't that much more than a soft vang, and it sure is nice to do away with the line from the masthead.
The problem I had with that Bob, was $900 compared
to $200. Plus the solid vang could bend and destroy the boom if the end of the boom is overloaded. Of course, the $900+ was from forespar. I don't know what Garhauer wants. But either way, no topping lift.
to $200. Plus the solid vang could bend and destroy the boom if the end of the boom is overloaded. Of course, the $900+ was from forespar. I don't know what Garhauer wants. But either way, no topping lift.
Ouch
I don't know what a Garhauer would run for a 27 footer, but my E23 has the same mast section as the E27. It cost pretty close to $200, and seems pretty heavy duty. I'd at least check on it, because I sure love mine.
I don't know what a Garhauer would run for a 27 footer, but my E23 has the same mast section as the E27. It cost pretty close to $200, and seems pretty heavy duty. I'd at least check on it, because I sure love mine.
Garhauer
Bob, Those look to be a nice unit, and quite reasonable. May be an option on my re-fit this year. Thanks! Bryon Thomas "Shore Leave"
Bob, Those look to be a nice unit, and quite reasonable. May be an option on my re-fit this year. Thanks! Bryon Thomas "Shore Leave"
Ken, question about Pride
Ken, I did a Google search for Pride Marine and found a hit in Kingston, Ont. Couldn't find them in the tel. book. Where in Toronto are they located, or do you have a tel. no.? Thanks, Kevin
Ken, I did a Google search for Pride Marine and found a hit in Kingston, Ont. Couldn't find them in the tel. book. Where in Toronto are they located, or do you have a tel. no.? Thanks, Kevin
Another vote for Garhauer
I had a Garhauer rigid vang delivered this week. Given what others charge for rigid vangs, I simply don't understand how they can do it for the price. Garhauer's products are works of art; close to custom made. Because of the high quality of the materials, they tend to be a bit heavy, but if you're not racing, that is not a big issue. I also needed a custom fabricated mast collar for my vang, and Garhauer made me a piece of sculpture at a price that defies belief. Get one before they realize they can double the price!
I had a Garhauer rigid vang delivered this week. Given what others charge for rigid vangs, I simply don't understand how they can do it for the price. Garhauer's products are works of art; close to custom made. Because of the high quality of the materials, they tend to be a bit heavy, but if you're not racing, that is not a big issue. I also needed a custom fabricated mast collar for my vang, and Garhauer made me a piece of sculpture at a price that defies belief. Get one before they realize they can double the price!
PRIDE MARINE
Kevin MY mistake.Pride is not in Toronto,they're in Kingston.Go to www.pridemarine.com or phone toll free at 1 888 732 8883.I've delt with them a number of times and they are excellent.
Kevin MY mistake.Pride is not in Toronto,they're in Kingston.Go to www.pridemarine.com or phone toll free at 1 888 732 8883.I've delt with them a number of times and they are excellent.
Hey Fred Ficarra
I'm confused by your comment that the solid vang could bend and destroy the boom if the end of the boom is overloaded. How would that occur? I put a Garhauer solid vang on my 28' Catalina tall rig a couple of years ago ($250) and like it alot. It seems extremely well built and has a shock absorber mechanism so you can adjust it but it absorbs any downward movement of the boom. I still have a topping lift because I have a Dutchman flaking system for the main sail.
I'm confused by your comment that the solid vang could bend and destroy the boom if the end of the boom is overloaded. How would that occur? I put a Garhauer solid vang on my 28' Catalina tall rig a couple of years ago ($250) and like it alot. It seems extremely well built and has a shock absorber mechanism so you can adjust it but it absorbs any downward movement of the boom. I still have a topping lift because I have a Dutchman flaking system for the main sail.
Garhauer
I have the Garhauer on my C30. Fantastic. No topping lift. Great price. Bounced up and down a bit when motoring up the river, so I called Garhauer and they sent me 2 springs for the next bigger model. Installed those with one of the originals, no bouncing.
I have the Garhauer on my C30. Fantastic. No topping lift. Great price. Bounced up and down a bit when motoring up the river, so I called Garhauer and they sent me 2 springs for the next bigger model. Installed those with one of the originals, no bouncing.
Bob, someone would have to fall and use it
to catch themselves. That's what I read about them and that's one advantage of a boom kicker. The point loading that would result from a rigid vang because of such a fall, would surely kink or bend most booms. Key word, 'most'. It can be applied to the Vang's out there too. Like I said, I know nothing of the Garhauer vang, but if it is like the rest of their stuff, they engineered it right. Good folks. I have their rope vang.
to catch themselves. That's what I read about them and that's one advantage of a boom kicker. The point loading that would result from a rigid vang because of such a fall, would surely kink or bend most booms. Key word, 'most'. It can be applied to the Vang's out there too. Like I said, I know nothing of the Garhauer vang, but if it is like the rest of their stuff, they engineered it right. Good folks. I have their rope vang.
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