Topping Lift broke loose - how to re-attach?

[SkipperMike]

Hi all, first time posting here...I just purchased a 1978 Hunter 25. On my second sail out, I barely tightened the boom vang and the the topping lift broke loose. Unfortunately, I hadn't really paid attention to how it was attached prior to it breaking, but I think the prior owner just had a small piece of line securing the shackle to the boom.

I'm curious if anyone has a diagram or photo of how this connects to the boom? The shackle that's on there will reach all the way to the boom if I raise the boom up, but then it looks like the main will be too loose...and I there won't be any way to adjust.

Thoughts? and Thanks!

Mike

 

[JK_Boston_Catalina310]

Hi Mike,

Do you have any photos? Most topping lifts are pretty similar. Show us what you have and we might be able to give you suggestions.

Also, if you don't get good response don't be afraid to post this on ask all sailors.

Fair winds,

Jesse

 

[isaksp00]

Is the topping lift line (wire or fiber?) still attached securely to the mast crane, and is the shackle attached to the lower end of the line? If so, and you have a spare sheave at the aft end of the boom and matching spare jam cleat at the front of the boom, you could run a line through those (or maybe there is already one in the boom) and up to the shackle on the topping lift. On my 23, I shackled a small swivel block to the end of the topping lift, after having shortened it so it is maybe 3 ft above the boom. The topping lift adjustment line runs up from the sheave in the boom end to the swivel block, and back down to be tied to the end of the boom. It is then easy (if you are up near the mast) to adjust the boom position, say after you drop the main.

 

[SkipperMike]

Thanks Jesse, I plan to be out at the boat tomorrow afternoon or Thursday morning so I'll post a couple pics.

 

[SkipperMike]

There's some good ideas you have Peter, thanks. I'll be out at the boat either tomorrow afternoon or Thursday and I'll check out what I have.

 

[Bill Roosa]

A block with a becket and cleat will work. attach the becket to the topping lift. Attach a line to the boom end, run it through the block and down/back to the cleat. Run the boom end line from top to bottom through the block to give a fair lead to the cleat.

 

[PGIJon]

Here's a pic of mine. Hope this helps. -Jon

 

[rardiH36]

Guess you were lucky that the sail was still up and the boom didn't come down on the deck (or your heads!). Some other idea's and discussion are in this thread, in which
PGIJon also participated.

http://forums.hunter.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?p=1060450&
highlight=topping

Since you have an older boat (but it's a wonderful Cherubini Hunter -- I've got one too, only it's a heavier one) and something failed on your second outing, you might want to carefully inspect is the condition of all the running and standing rigging. Rigging condition is major safety item.

Since you just joined SailboatOwners.com, you might not know yet that the site has a Cherubini specific forum:

http://forums.hunter.sailboatowners.com/forumdisplay.php?f=44

One of the frequent participants on it, John Cherubini, is the son of the original designer of the Cherubini line Hunter line of sailboats, manufactured from the mid 70's to the early 80's. John has been restoring a 1974 Hunter 25. From his posts and those of other 25 owners, you can find lots of info about your boat, common problems and fixes. And ask questions too.

 

[SkipperMike]

Thanks for all the suggestions and input, guys. I re-rigged my topping lift a few days ago and she's all set now...sorry, forgot to take pics.

Rardi, you're right about checking the remaining rigging. I plan to do that very soon!

Mike