rigging a new toping lift

[tony davenport]

I am about to attempt to rerig my topping lift and would like some other ideas on how you did it. I know how I would like some other ideas before I get the line stuck somewhere up my mast. First 26

 

[Bill O'Donovan]

One way

People will recommend a paperclip, but this way is more secure:Sew the two bitter ends together using fishing tackle in a criss-cross fashion. Keep it loose enough to be flexible over the top, but lashed enough not to fall apart. Presto.

 

[Jeff D]

I agree

Use whipping thread if you have it. Dental floss is also very strong. I would use 3 distinct pieces.

 

[Steve Dion]

Attached at the Top?

Tony:Is your topping lift attached at the top of the mast? That is how our was done. If you have an extra halyard as you topping lift, then it is no different than any other halyard.

 

[Tom]

Small tie wrap

I've used a small tie wrap threaded through the two line ends, butted up to each other.Fair winds,Tom

 

[Garry @ S/V TASHTEGO]

UV protection

Clear nylon tie wraps exposed to the sun will only last about a year before failing. Whatever you use cover it to keep sunlight away. A piece of shrink wrap does nicely.

 

[Tom]

It should last 5 minutes!

My understanding of the question was:"How do I replace my existing topping lift line with a new one?".In my reply, which, admittedly, could have been clearer, I suggested butting the end of the old topping lift with the end of the new topping lift and holding them together with a tie wrap threaded through each of the lines. You can then use the old topping lift to pull the new one through the mast, over the block at the top of the mast and down to the deck. After the new line is in place, you cut the tie wrap to disconnect the old line.Fair winds,Tom