topping lift w/ full batten main?

[fred winter]

anyone have a topping lift set up with a full batten main? does the wire/ line chaff, or otherwise interfer with the sail etc.? there must be a better way to hold the boom beyond the crappy clip to backstay setup, or a hard vang set up. thanks

 

[Robert B.]

Topping Lift

I currently have a topping lift with my full batten main. I have had no problems with chaffing or interference. The stainless steel wire is probably better than the 3/8 line that I currently have. Mine broke while sailing at the end of last summer. It was weathered and should have been replaced sooner. I replaced it at the time with a new 3/8 line because it was easiest at the time. However, I have been seriously considering going to the rigid boom vang. Garhaur makes a very nice one that is relatively inexpensive (about $250 for my boat).Hope this helps.

 

[Sean]

Topping Lift

I've had the same experience as Robert. I do think the wire will chafe more than the nylon line that I use however. I am also going to puchase the rigid vang for my Cat30. It seems like every time I disconnect the topping lift, I forget to reattach it when I drop the main. Creature of habit I guess. Anyway, I don't want to shred the leech of my new sail. Sean

 

[Dave Slepoy]

TOPPING LIFT MODIFICATION

WHEN I HAD MY 25 I MODIFIED THE TOPPING LIFT WITH A LENGTH OF LINE FROM THE BOOM TO THE TOPPING LIFT WIRE ABOUT 2.5 FEET UP. THIS LINE WENT THROUGH A TURNING BLOCK BACK TO A SMALL BLOCK WITH A BUILT IN JAM LOCK ( FOR SMALL BOATS) WITH ALLOWS YOU TO KEEP THE TOPPING LIFT ATTACHED AND RELEASE THE TENSION TO LET THE WIRE (LINE) GO LOOSE SO IT WILL NOT BE TIGHT ENOUGH TO CHAFE THE SAIL. WHEN DROPING THE MAIL PULL DOWN ON THE ADJUSTABLE LINE AND LOCK IT IN AND YOUR SET. THIS WILL ALSO ALLOW YOU TO RAISE THE BOOM IF YOU GIVE IT ENOUGH DISTANCE AND LINE AT THE 2 MOUNT POINTS. GOOD LUCK

 

[ED WOLFE]

ALT TOPPING LIFT USE

I have the ridgid vang and love it . The mast is down for the winter and I am thinking of removing the topping lift . Is there another use for this line ? Any thoughts?