Topping lift for a 23 ?

Status
Not open for further replies.
Jun 5, 2004
15
- - Washington DC
Let me ask a stupid question. Is a 1986 Hunter 23 suppose to have a Topping lift? My 1986 Hunter 23 was old when I got it. It never had one and I have sailed on plenty of smaller boats that don’t have topping lifts, but the main sail has never seemed to have the right form and the boom always hangs low. I can raise the main sail to the top of the mast and the battens are in on the factory main sail. I notice later models on the 24s have topping lift so it got me thinking. Be gentle towards my ignorance.
 
S

Steve

Topping lift and "droopy" boom

I assume you mean the boom hangs low when the sail is up...thats the design...i dont like it either as the end of the boom is right at face height, just doesnt "look" right either. Im seriously considering having the sail foot recut and reef points adjusted. My 86' doesnt have a t-lift but the mast head and boom are ready for one. good luck
 
Apr 19, 1999
1,670
Pearson Wanderer Titusville, Florida
Topping lift here also

The line runs from a hole at the rear of the masthead to the leftmost sheave at the end of the boom. from there it goes forward inside the boom and exits just below the gooseneck. There is a rope clutch of sorts under the gooseneck that allows you to adjust the topping lift. You have three options: 1) leave as-is (I've seen quite a few H23's like that 2) run a new topping lift from the masthead (you'll have to lower the mast to do that) 3) get a rigid vang (they're a bit pricey but that's just my opinion). I was a small-boat sailor for many years before I got my H23. I treat it like a big daysailer. If you singlehand a lot like I do, Option 1) is fine because no one else will be in the cockpit when you lower the main (and the boom). Peter H23 "Raven"
 
D

DCsailor

Thank you for the responses

After reading the posts here, looking at lots of pictures of H23, I think I will add a topping lift. Because my boom has three lines I can't see a reason why I should not have a topping lift. Like you Peter, I sail alone a lot, but I would still like more control of the shape of the sail. Just not looking forward to dropping the mast while it is in the water. Thank you very much for all the advice.
 
Apr 24, 2005
34
- - Blacksburg, VA
What about a boomkicker

I have a 216 hunter that doesn't have a topping lift - instead I have a boomkicker instead - don't need to drop mast to install either....
 
Apr 19, 1999
1,670
Pearson Wanderer Titusville, Florida
Boomkicker is a rigid vang

I believe "Boomkicker" is a trade name. Peter H23 "Raven"
 
Apr 24, 2005
34
- - Blacksburg, VA
Rigid Vang or not?

I may not be correct but I believe the boomkicker and a rigid vang are two different things. I have a regular boom vang and a boomkicker on my boat.....
 
Oct 11, 2007
105
Island Packet IP31 Patuxent River, MD
Topping Lift

DC Sailor: I may be wrong, but do not believe a topping lift's purpose is to shape the sail. Recommend addressing that aspect of your question to Don Guillette of sail trim fame.
 
Jun 3, 2004
232
- - -
Droopy Boom?

I have an '84 H23... I've been living without a topping lift for two years, ever since I bought her. The previous owner rigged a line to the back stay that works fine for me. As for the "droopy boom", not on mine. That's the design? When the main is up the boom is horizonal/parallel with the cockpit floor. It might be time to look at a new main for your boat?
 
Status
Not open for further replies.