Topping lift - what size?

Bill1565 · May 6, 2014

3/8" is about as small as I can get a grip on. I would use nylon, not Dacron for the elasticity. Boom, sail cover and all probably don't weigh much over 100 lbs . Down load from main sheet and vang should not be more than another hHundred or so.

Jim Legere · May 6, 2014

My topping lift is vinyl-coated wire, like you would use on lifelines. It is about a foot shorter that the distance to the boom, the rest of the distance made up with about 3 feet of 1/4" line that loops around and lashes to the fitting on the end of the boom.

ggrizzard · May 7, 2014

Obviously, we consider the primary job of the topping lift to hold the boom with sail. Another reason to have one is to use it as an emergency main sail halyard. With that in mind, I use the same diameter for all running rigging.

Bill1565 · May 7, 2014

Many topping lifts are fixed wire with a block at the bottom. 2:1 rope adjustment on the lowest foot or so. Not suitable for replacement halyard.

Sailorjack · May 7, 2014

FredV

My topping lift is 3/16" wire. It is fixed at the masthead and has a short line to the end of the boom to adjust the height. I would like to use the spare sheave at the masthead to run a spare halyard as a topping lift but my mast doesn't have a exit. I don't want to weaken the mast so I am reluctant to drill any more holes. So for now I will use the fixed wire.

Ed Schenck · May 10, 2014

FredV said:
Hmmm,,, I like the idea of an emergency main sail halyard. Thanks!

I just bought 50' of 1/4" from the store here. Have always had my wire topping lift attached to a spare halyard. Tired of the backstay and topping lift wire slap when I am too lazy to adjust the halyard. Should be a lot less noise with rope topping lift. Will keep a topping lift, no plans for a boomkicker or solid vang.