Proper topping lift rigging for '91 Hunter 23?

[isaksp00]

Just bought a '91 Hunter 23. Previous owner had, I think, modified the topping lift by attaching a wire rope to the aft pin on the mast crane, the one behind the main sheet sheave. The length of this line is fixed, by using cable clamps, and attached to end of boom with shackle. From prior experience on other boats, mainly charters, seems to me the topping lift should normally be adjustable.

I do have the manual from Hunter, but it does not show any info on running rigging (odd, to me).

Does anyone have any info, ideally photos, on the correct way to rig this? Does the topping lift line pass through end of boom and then out an exit at fore end of boom? What size line is appropriate?

Thanks!

 

[Jim Kolstoe]

Your guess is good. The topping line is a 1/4" or 5/16" line, tied to a pin on the mast crane, then led down to the port side of the aft end of the boom, through the boom to the port clutch under the goose-neck. It gives you an effective infinite range of adjustment from laying on the deck to nearly straight up, as well as the ability to support the weight of the main under weigh in light air to increase draft.
The boom has three lines running through it: topping lift on port, outhaul in the center, and reefing line on starboard. Good luck, have fun.

Jim Kolstoe, h23 Kara's Boo

 

[MrUnix]

What Jim says

Just wanted to add that if you are going to replace the topping lift with what is supposed to be there; the original specification from Hunter Marine calls for 40 feet of 1/4 inch XLS.

Cheers,
Brad

 

[Alan]

Don't waste your money replacing a topping lift. Put the money toward a boom kicker and get a real sail control device which you can use all the time.

 

[cephius (Dave)]

You can modify your existing setup to look like current Hunter topping lifts.

There is a fixed wire from the mast head to within 3' of the boom. A small block is shackled to the end. The running line ties to the end of the boom, goes up thru the block and back to the boom end. It is then led forward thru the boom to the clutch at the goose neck.

While this setup has less range than the one Jim described, it allows you to use what is there already and can be modified without dropping the mast.

It is possible your existing topping lift is original, just missing the block and line.

 

[isaksp00]

Thanks for all the info

Great forum!

In re-inspecting the sails, I see that either the PO purchased new ones, or the dealer he got it from did so - main has jiffy reefing with 2 reef points, which I gather is not standard. I sort of don't think a boat this size needs 2, but I haven't sailed it yet.

That said, I think I'll have to use the 3 sheaves at boom end for the 2 reef lines plus the outhaul - and no ability to run the topping lift through the boom.

It is likely I'll have to take Alan's advice and go for a boom kicker, though I am not familiar with these. Is this kinda like a solid boom vang designed to hold the boom up?

Boat is still on trailer being refitted (that is, I'm refitting) so getting to mast is easy for now.

 

[cephius (Dave)]

Yes, a boom kicker is just that. They are adjustable to a limited degree. They are also pricey.

Another option would be to add a small block on the aft side of the mast head crane. You could then run a line up the outside of the mast and down to the boom. The more traditional style topping lift. With a turning block at the mast step, you could even run the line back to the cockpit.

 

[Alan]

I would hardly call a BoomKicker pricey. At $169.00 it's a bargain. More importantly you wind up with a good sail control that you can use all the time you're sailing.

Check it out in the Store: http://shop.hunterowners.com/google/custom.htm?vp=72911

 

[George H260]

Here's a couple of pictures that should help:

http://h260.com/checklist2/target36.html

http://h260.com/checklist2/target45.html Note the block

The topping lift line is adjustable at the gooseneck clutch

 

[C Jones]

I like both of those ideas. I have a extra block so I can do that now. I had no idea the Boom kicker cost so little but I have blown the boat budget out of the water for this year and will add that to next years budget with my new main. I am also going to have 3 reefs installed so no matter what the wind is I can go out safely. I reef at 19-20 and miss alot of spring sailing days here in Texas.

 

[George H260]

Observation:

Reefing at 20mph in a 23 ft boat is like waiting until the house is almost burned to the ground before calling the fire department.

This a judgement call, but the earlier you reef the better time you'll have.

When in doubt, reef, you can always shake it out...

 

[cephius (Dave)]

I agree. I find a single set of reef points is all I need. I reef the main when I hoist it if I think I might need it. It's easy to do when your still powering into the wind with the motor. If it turns out the winds are not that strong, its as snap to round up into the wind, shake out the reef, and fully hoist the main.

Any winds that overpower my rig with the one reef in are too strong to enjoy sailing anyway.