Replacement topping lift

[Ron20324]

I notice, you don't address my primary argument, that a topping lift can act as a backup main halyard... Or my secondary argument, that a topping lift can help shape the mainsail in very light air.

Why is there an argument? It's your boat, your choice, right Stu??? Do what you believe in and what works for you.

 

[Cayennita]

I have a solid vang with four part block and tackle on my 51 live aboard. I also have a spare vang that can be used for preventer or raise the outboard. I also have two main rope halyards. One I use as a topping lift and spare halyard. Both are led to clutches on the mast.
If you use a topping lift and tighten the main sheet, then I am putting undue strain on the rigging. I do a lot of offshore sailing and it pays to have extras. The solid vang supports the boom with out any problem and the mast is not bent as would be with a topping lift. Additionally I can install my awning all the way back with no topping lift.
On my J-36 I have a boom kicker that helps to trim the main in both light and heavy air. I removed the wire topping lift and use rope. In a regatta in the BVI the main halyard broke and had the topping lift for a spare. The main had already dropped and was a able to raise it without losing many positions. If the mast is fractional, that's the only way to get to the top

 

[Ross]

I like my boom gallows! Drop that sucker into a notch and sheet it tight and it won't move.

 

[Hermit Scott]

I have been removing my headstay with out loosening the main sheet tension against the topping lift! I was adjusting my shrouds, let the backstay go slack, I ran a halyard to the bow and cranked on it and couldn't figure out why there was so much tension in the forestay. I am such an idiot.

 

[Benny]

We lost the topping lift in a blow and did not realize it until we let go of the mainsail halyard. The mainsail and boom came down and rested neatly on the cockpit arch. I knew that contraption would useful one day.

 

[Joe]

I notice, you don't address my primary argument, that a topping lift can act as a backup main halyard... Or my secondary argument, that a topping lift can help shape the mainsail in very light air.

I have no issue with leaving your topping lift rigged to use as a spare halyard. Rig as many spares as you want... you just don't need them for a topping lift if you have a solid vang. I commented on this and the light air trim issue earlier in this thread, see post #7.

 

[ITMaster]

I have and use both the lift and boom vang. When the mainsail is up, I pull the topping lift off the back of the boom and use the sail to hold the boom and the adjustable vang for support also. When I put the sail away, I pull the topping lift line off the cleat on the mast and put it back on the ass end of the boom and put the load on the lift.

I hadn't thought about making use of it to help out in light winds like Sailingdog mentioned, but the next time that condition exists, I will give it a try and see how that works, good idea, thanks Dog .

When I get run up the mast in the chair, I use the topping lift line as my back up safety line attached to my harness. Then I use the Spinnaker Halyard for the chair and the the Head Sail Halyard as my primary harness safety line. Someone told me that I was going with a little overkill, but from top the mast, the deck looks a long ways off and really hard :cry: and I don't think I bounce too well.

 

[Clark]

I'll jump in and split the difference . .

I notice, you don't address my primary argument, that a topping lift can act as a backup main halyard... Or my secondary argument, that a topping lift can help shape the mainsail in very light air.

Yes, the topping lift can act as a backup halyard. My former lift is safely secured against the mast. As to the second point; a good rigid vang will do the same thing - lift the boom in light air to maintain shape.

 

[txtowman]

your neighbor could use some dyneema or amsteel if he wants a smaller size.

I watched a guy pull and reinstall his inboard diesel using the boom and topping lift and the main halyard topping lift at end of boom and halyard at the lift point.
worked like a charm.
I plan on adding a topping lift, I don't like the pigtail on the backstay.(c22)

and the spare halyard is a great idea.

 

[Prime Time]

Usefull

I agree with Stu:

I have a topping lift but am interested in having it set up as a spare mainsail halyard for offshore work. Having gone to the top of a mast once in 10 foot seas, I'd like not to do that again!

In drifting conditions, racers sometimes do lift the boom to shape the main.

Most rigid vangs that I have investigated purchasing can be used to support the boom without any problem.

There can be a tremendous load on the topping lift when you are snugging up the boom. I almost killed myself when I was in my teens. I was tightening the mainsheet on a winch to keep the boom from moving after the main was furled. The topping lift parted where it was chaffed on the sheeve and the 17 ft boom came crashing down just missing my head, cracking the companionway hatch.

 

[Hermit Scott]

I gave him the choice of Hi mod fittings on the end or 5/32" SS cable or the all rope with a topblock. My neighbor has decided to go with an all rope topping lift with a top block at the masthead. I suggested 3/8" Samson LS with an eye splice for the boom attachment point. Or 3/8" staset. I don't know if he's running it back to the cockpit yet.
120' ought to be enough either way.