Rigging of the boom topping lift

[Jeff Jernigan]

I have recently purchased a 1987 26.5 with ZSpar Z160 boom ( standard equipment). I do not believe the topping lift is rigged properly since it is simply tied off at the end of the boom. I am assuming that it should be rigged so I can adjust for the cockpit, as it is now my only choice is to untie it, in heavy wind. Can anyone describe the proper rigging configuraton or tell me where I can get a technical spec. Thanks.

 

[Bob Schmit]

Hunter 26 also

On my Hunter 26 that I bought new the set up was the same. I had the short topping lift tied to boom end while the jiffy reefing and out haul were run thru the boom thru the sheeves and then to the clamping devices by the goose neck. After running new line for the topping lift running it thru the sheeve and forward to the gooseneck and finding it either too slippery to hold or it frayed too soon . I finally gave up and used the original topping lift with a short line added at boom end with a bowline and shackle added so I can snap the topping length easily-one length to hold boom up when sails are down and one length longer so it doesn't interfere with the roach and shape of the sail when the sail is hoisted.Sorry, not real helpfull I guess, but it is convenient,all done from the cockpit.

 

[Rick webb]

Modification

Mine had the same set up as the previous response what I did was to rivet on a cheek block and a cleat at the end of the boom. This way I can adjust it while still in the cockpit and it is alot easier to remove the boom now when I trailer. This also frees up another run inside the boom for a second reefing which I may get around to someday.

 

[Harvey Small]

Two Choices

I rigged a block & tackle with thin line from the end of the boom to the appropriately shortened topping lift on my Hunter 26. It was easy to remove for trailering and let me shorten or loosen the line. It worked well for several seasons. After I added roller furling, it doubled as a handy billy to tighten the forestay when raising the mast. The added weight of the roller jib made it difficult to get the pin into the forestay without slackening the whole rig.Last winter I eliminated the topping lift entirely by installing a solid vang. After a little research, I settled on the one from Garhauer Marine (www.garhauermarine.com). It's worked great!