Topping Lift or Main Halyard?

[Swee Pea]

Setting up my '82 Mac 25 for the first time. Mast went up easier than expected. Going through the "ok, what's missing" phase. (Personal Note: sailed quite a bit but never put a boat together) Besides the backstay at the top of the mast, there is one cable coming out of the aft side of the mast near the top. I first hooked the shackle on the end to the boom, believing it to be the topping lift. But then, where's the halyard to raise the main? Confused as to which is which and then where is the other. Appreciate any words of wisdom.

 

[Steve Paul]

Some partial advice

Some boats have wire halyards but always (sic) end in a rope splice. If the wire at the top of the mast you thought was a topping lift isn't through a sheave (pully) then it's most likely a toppinglift. If it's connected inside the mast to a rope halyard and exits near the boom then it's likely a sail halyard. You must have something to raise the main sail and another to raise the jib. Hope this helps if just a little. If you can post a photo then perhaps we can help more.Steve P.

 

[Swee Pea]

Thanks for the infos

Hey Steve and Bob! Thanks for the quick response. At this point, I'm sure the wire rope coming out of the top of the mast is in fact the main halyard. Bob, there are no pulleys on the mast as in your photos. Also no holes where they might have been attached. So I guess I"m going to get creative and rig something myself for a topping lift. Steve, good suggestion on the digital camera. Going to break down and go digital in the next days. Will try to illustrate my future questions with photos, circles and arrows etc. Questions and ideas - I've got tons.Thanks again.Robert