topping lift load rating

srimes

.
Jun 9, 2020
211
Macgregor 26D Brookings
The topping lift on my 26D is super springy as the PO rigged it with nylon, and I'm thinking of replacing it with dyneema. What's the load rating of the pulley on the chicken head? I have 2.5mm on hand rated at 1250.
 

Dave Groshong

SBO Staff
Staff member
Jan 25, 2007
1,864
Catalina 22 Seattle
A topping lift really only needs to hold #100 max, unless you sit on your mast. Even small blocks/pulleys have a rating well about #500
 

Joe

.
Jun 1, 2004
7,999
Catalina 27 Mission Bay, San Diego
WTH is a chickenhead? 1/4" dacron is all you need. Dyneema doesn't cleat well.
 

srimes

.
Jun 9, 2020
211
Macgregor 26D Brookings
The chicken head is the fixture at the top of the mast where the backstay and halyard and topping lift blocks attach. I know it doesn't take much to hold up the boom but it can get used as a crane for m.o.b. recovery. Or a big fish maybe.
 
Feb 21, 2013
4,638
Hunter 46 Point Richmond, CA
............I know it doesn't take much to hold up the boom but it can get used as a crane for m.o.b. recovery. Or a big fish maybe.
In that case I would recommend 3/8" low stretch line, if there is room in the chicken head. I use the topping lift as a safety line when climbing the mast.