Topping lift for a Hunter 18.5

[paul17590]

I'm in the final stages of getting my newly aquired Hunter 18.5 ready to go. I have a question regarding running rigging. Does the 18.5 have a topping lift as a standard part of the rigging. If it doesn't would it be advisable to install it as part of the rigging. I'm obviously new at the game. Any help will be appreciated.Thanks, Paul

 

[Ken]

Topping lift

The 18.5 does have a topping lift as part of the standard rigging but the main has a large roach. If yours doesn't have one give some serious thought to a Boomkicker or a rigid Garhauer vang.

 

[Neil4212]

Topping Lift

I have an 18.5 and it does have a topping lift. Mine is a permanent line tied off at the top of the mast with two clips at the boom end. One clip is at the bitter end and the other about 10 to 12" above that. I attach both clips to the end of the boom. The upper clip is positioned to hold the boom perpendicular to the mast and is used when the sail is down. Once the mainsail is hauled up the mast I release the upper clip and let the line hang loose, the end clip keeps it attached to the boom. The slack in the line is enough not to have an effect on the roach of the sail. When you are going to take down the sail, loosen the main sheet, replace the upper clip and drop the sail. This has worked very well for me.