Topping Lift Adjustment

[Tom Nowak]

Can anyone instruct a newbie sailboat owner on how to adjust the topping lift on a 99 240? If I hook the boom up to the mast and attach the lift, it's at an angle pointing up. In the manual it shows a rope that travels through the boom and up to the mast. On my 240 it is simply a cable that hooks to the top of the mast, then the back of the boom. Any help from other 240 owners would be appreciated as the dealer is very hard to get in touch with...(Big surprise)Thanks

 

[Sean Coerse]

Topping lift

The topping lift is a coated cable that runs from the top of the mast. It does not attach directly to the boom. It attaches to a line that exits the boom and has a shackle on it. The line then exits the front of the boom where it is adjusted. sounds like your boom is missing the line. The H240 should have 3 lines that run the length of the boom. 1 is for reefing, 1 is an outhaul for the main, and the last is the topping lift. Hope this helps.

 

[Bill Welsch]

And...

...what Sean said is correct...and the line that runs thorough the boom is "supposed" to be secured by the little jaw-like contraption at the forward end of the boom. As you will see on many posts to this website, it is a very unsatisfactory arrangement, a number of solutions can be found in the archives. I spent a few bucks on some cleats, attached them to the forward end of the boom and attach the topping lift (and outhaul as well) to prevent them from always slippingGood luck. Dont let that boom fall on your head.Bill WelschS/V Renewal

 

[Ron]

Simple Solution

If you want a simple approach which has worked for years on my two boats, just tie two small clips/snap hooks on the boom end of the topping lift -- one above the other. The lowest snap is placed so the boom runs free when sailing and the topping lift is loose. The second clip is tied higher so it will hold the boom in a horizontal position, out of the way, and when the sail cover is in place. The mainsheet is then pulled tight and the boom is secure. These two clips are snapped into a small loop of line attached to the end of your boom. Very easy to use and it works. No need to mess with retro-fitting the poor original design. Good luck.

 

[Jim Loats]

Coated Cable?

On my 96 H26, instead of a cable, there is just a thin line (rope?) that likes to hang up on the batten pocket velcro tabs.Is the cable worth getting? i.e. Does it hang up less?Thanks,JimS/V Grizzly Bear P.S. Cool idea about the double set of clips I'll install that very soon.

 

[Sean Coerse]

coated cable

My coated cable doesn't hang up. While sailing I slack it so its not tight and doesn't hang on the roach when tacking. My next step is a rigid vang to get rid of the topping lift and add a second reef point.

 

[Tom Nowak]

Thanks for your help

Just launched the boat yesterday and all is well....The double set of clips idea is going to work great. I also had someone mention to me that you can use a small boom vang to connect the cable to the boom. The biggest advantage to this is the adjustment from the cockpit instead of the front of the mast. The only disadvantage is the cost of a boom vang....Starting around $80.00 dollars at a West Marine store near me. Thanks again