On my H23 the topping lift is attached to the top of the mast and runs down to a cheek block (I think that is the right term....the kind with a V shaped slot to jam the line into). It is a PITA to use. I can't run it through the boom to tie off forward because the internal tracks in the boom are occupied with 2 reefing lines and the outhaul. I could run it along the outside of the boom, but it's already busy there with my lazy jacks setup. The routing could be reversed - boom to mast top then back down to mast base. Although that would give us an extra halyard, it would be external to the mast. I do want a topping lift independent of the jacks. On my previous boat with a split backstay, a short line came down from the split to the end of the boom. This would work on my H23 and could be easily made adjustable. Here's the question....would this idea put undue strain on the backstay? Should I just stop being cheap and get a boom kicker?
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Topping lift loads
The only time the topping lift get loaded is: When the sail is not up, just 1/2 the boom+sail weight. When you are using it to trim for a fuller sail, even less load and When you are trying to recover a MOB and using the boom as mechanical advantage, worst case load of around 400 lb. You idea of using a line to the backstay would prevent you from using the lift to for either trimming the sail or MOB activities. Consider this, attach a small block to the lower end of the topping lift at a level that is above the highest you would ever want to lift the boom end. Then run another line from the boom end up through the block and back down to your cheek block and jam cleat arangement. This will give you a 2:1 mechanical advantage and make adjusting it at least twice as easy. The backstay is designed to hold up the mast so I really don't think it would unduely strain it in any case. Good luck.
The only time the topping lift get loaded is: When the sail is not up, just 1/2 the boom+sail weight. When you are using it to trim for a fuller sail, even less load and When you are trying to recover a MOB and using the boom as mechanical advantage, worst case load of around 400 lb. You idea of using a line to the backstay would prevent you from using the lift to for either trimming the sail or MOB activities. Consider this, attach a small block to the lower end of the topping lift at a level that is above the highest you would ever want to lift the boom end. Then run another line from the boom end up through the block and back down to your cheek block and jam cleat arangement. This will give you a 2:1 mechanical advantage and make adjusting it at least twice as easy. The backstay is designed to hold up the mast so I really don't think it would unduely strain it in any case. Good luck.
boom kickers
are a nice way to adjust sail trim and they eliminate the need for a topping lift when sailing, BUT you still need to use the topping lift when docked, moored, or anchored. This takes the load off the kicker when not sailing and allows you to stiffen up the boom position by tensioning the mainsheet against the topping lift.
are a nice way to adjust sail trim and they eliminate the need for a topping lift when sailing, BUT you still need to use the topping lift when docked, moored, or anchored. This takes the load off the kicker when not sailing and allows you to stiffen up the boom position by tensioning the mainsheet against the topping lift.
Ross and Bill..Thanks
I think your comments are right on target. Since yesterday was the last day of the sale, I went ahead and ordered the boom kicker from the Chandlery. This should address my issues while reefing and hoisting or striking sail underway and combined with a vang I ordered from Garhauer, give me better sail trim, too. I'm going to continue using the lift while anchored/moored, but keep it off the backstay. Bill's idea will make it a bit easier to use without a big modification, too. Thanks guys.
I think your comments are right on target. Since yesterday was the last day of the sale, I went ahead and ordered the boom kicker from the Chandlery. This should address my issues while reefing and hoisting or striking sail underway and combined with a vang I ordered from Garhauer, give me better sail trim, too. I'm going to continue using the lift while anchored/moored, but keep it off the backstay. Bill's idea will make it a bit easier to use without a big modification, too. Thanks guys.
topping lift problems
I replaced the outhaul and the reefing line inside the boom on my Hunter 23. It is not hard. It is just a pain thats all. Drill out the rivets on the forward part of the boom. The insides will come out. Just feed the line through the boom. The reefing line and outhaul are easy. The Outhaul system on the Hunter 23 is difficult. There are no examples on how to thread the line through the pulleys. One of the Hunter Engineers must have developed this method. No Explaination no Pictures, Nothing.
I replaced the outhaul and the reefing line inside the boom on my Hunter 23. It is not hard. It is just a pain thats all. Drill out the rivets on the forward part of the boom. The insides will come out. Just feed the line through the boom. The reefing line and outhaul are easy. The Outhaul system on the Hunter 23 is difficult. There are no examples on how to thread the line through the pulleys. One of the Hunter Engineers must have developed this method. No Explaination no Pictures, Nothing.
right on
I also have a boomkicker and Garhauer vang. Great arrangement for me. As for a topping lift at anchor or for MOB.........simply attach the main halyard to the aft end of the boom. I do that anyway to eliminate mast slapping.
I also have a boomkicker and Garhauer vang. Great arrangement for me. As for a topping lift at anchor or for MOB.........simply attach the main halyard to the aft end of the boom. I do that anyway to eliminate mast slapping.
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