@FreedomCrawler @Monsterfish @patbratton
This application applies to trailerable sailboat topping lifts primarily trailer sailors. When I first became a sailboat dealer, I found it very difficult to feed the topping lift thru the boom even with a messenger line. In addition, over the years I found it difficult to leave the tiller or wheel going forward to release that topping lever. In addition, the jaws on the lever wear out not holding the topping lift line. Therefore I came up with a couple suggestions that worked for me and well received by my customers. Please excuse my hand written document but you should be able to get the ideas.
The first idea was to run the topping lift to the back of the boom thru a curved cheek block, Schaefer MFG. 303-30 to a cleat. You will need to fold and cover the mainsail with the mainsail cover to ensure the line is aft of the cover. However, the boom would be slanted somewhat when topping lift was holding the boom upright. Since there are wide varitey of cleats, I would install one that has a center hole which to put the topping lift thru and securring a stopper knot to prevent the boom from accidentally falling hitting the boat.
However, I came up using the Ronstan VJam Cleat MFG. RF187 which is used on small sailboat boom vangs. There are two sheaves in it and directing the topping lift thru it noted in the diagram exiting via the V Jam works. I use to get a 3/16 twist shackled to the bottom attached to a boom bail on the back of the boom. I am not sure if it will take a 1/4 inch twist shackle. Again, you have to place the boom bail on the back of the boom so it will not interfere with lines at the back of the boom and mainsail cover. I suggest putting a stopper knot at the end of the topping lift line so it will never hit anything on the boat. Suggest using 1/4 inch line for the topping lift. Most of customers were glad that the control was at the end of the boom, easy to lower and raise, easy to disconnect and so forth. I used this system for daysailors up thru trailerable 27 foot sailboats.
Some folks did not want the boom bail; therefore, the cut the line putting a bowline in the end where it exits the boom leaving enough line to run internally thru the boom thru the lever ending with a stopper knot.
This application applies to trailerable sailboat topping lifts primarily trailer sailors. When I first became a sailboat dealer, I found it very difficult to feed the topping lift thru the boom even with a messenger line. In addition, over the years I found it difficult to leave the tiller or wheel going forward to release that topping lever. In addition, the jaws on the lever wear out not holding the topping lift line. Therefore I came up with a couple suggestions that worked for me and well received by my customers. Please excuse my hand written document but you should be able to get the ideas.
The first idea was to run the topping lift to the back of the boom thru a curved cheek block, Schaefer MFG. 303-30 to a cleat. You will need to fold and cover the mainsail with the mainsail cover to ensure the line is aft of the cover. However, the boom would be slanted somewhat when topping lift was holding the boom upright. Since there are wide varitey of cleats, I would install one that has a center hole which to put the topping lift thru and securring a stopper knot to prevent the boom from accidentally falling hitting the boat.
However, I came up using the Ronstan VJam Cleat MFG. RF187 which is used on small sailboat boom vangs. There are two sheaves in it and directing the topping lift thru it noted in the diagram exiting via the V Jam works. I use to get a 3/16 twist shackled to the bottom attached to a boom bail on the back of the boom. I am not sure if it will take a 1/4 inch twist shackle. Again, you have to place the boom bail on the back of the boom so it will not interfere with lines at the back of the boom and mainsail cover. I suggest putting a stopper knot at the end of the topping lift line so it will never hit anything on the boat. Suggest using 1/4 inch line for the topping lift. Most of customers were glad that the control was at the end of the boom, easy to lower and raise, easy to disconnect and so forth. I used this system for daysailors up thru trailerable 27 foot sailboats.
Some folks did not want the boom bail; therefore, the cut the line putting a bowline in the end where it exits the boom leaving enough line to run internally thru the boom thru the lever ending with a stopper knot.
Attachments
Last edited:
