Topping Lift

[henris]

Hello,

on my H44DS I changed the rigging from "normal" full batten reef to furling mast. Question: As there is no Backstay, is a topping-lift necessary ? Recommended? or not advisable ?

 

[jssailem]

Good question. Assuming we are talking about the topping lift for the mainsail boom.

How is your boom supported when the sail is furled in the mast?
For many the topping lift holds the boom level or even raised while the sail is not raised. When the sail is raised the topping lift is loosened and the sail supports the boom.

 

[DrJudyB]

Picture please, so we can see what’s going on.
No-Backstay has nothing to do with supporting the boom.
Was there a topping lift on the old mast?
If there’s a solid Vang that holds the boom up, you probably don’t need a topping lift, unless theres something different about the position of the boom....

 

[Sailfanatic]

Topping lift and backstyay have no relationship. I assume you have a hard vang which supports the boom when the main is furled. If so, then a topping lift may be optional, I would like one just because, when the mainsail is furled, the topping lift it allows you to immobilize the boom by trimming the mainsheet hard. Otherwise the boom will give wayif someone leans against it, becoming another little trap for someone to take a tumble off the cabintop.

 

[rgranger]

And if you want to add a little belly to your sail on a run, tweaking the topping lift just a little and then pulling down hard on the vang gives a nice sail shape.

 

[sailme88]

I have both a topping lift and solid vang. The only reason I keep the topping lift is for counter force. Our mooring field can get rocky at times. To keep the lateral boom movement down, I crank the main sheet in a bit. The lift balances the system..

 

[JamesG161]

Check this link out for pictures on how to use the boom lift to set the proper angle.
In mast roller furling problem

The lift is used to set the correct angle for your battened or not battened main sail.
Jim...

PS: @DrJudyB corrected me about my H430 having a cut of 7° angle.

 

[DayDreamer41]

If you have a rod kicker with the optional gas shock and vang then the topping lift is redundant. While we still have it connected to the boom end it really doesn't do anything, I am thinking about making an attachment for the end of the boom and use the topping lift as a line for lifting the dingy motor and for MOB recovery.

 

[Sailfanatic]

And if you want to add a little belly to your sail on a run, tweaking the topping lift just a little and then pulling down hard on the vang gives a nice sail shape.

You should think twice about using the topping lift to raise the boom when the sail is up, if you go back onto the wind without remembering to ease the topping, you will eventually break something when trimmed closehauled, whatever is the weakest of topping lift, mainsheet or boom. If your mainsheet connects mid-boom, you'll break the boom. At least that is my experience with this subject.

 

[JamesG161]

I am thinking about making an attachment for the end of the boom and use the topping lift as a line for lifting the dingy motor and for MOP recovery.

That is what the previous owner did! He had a 4 point connecting "sling" and used the boom as a hoist. to put the inflated dingy overboard.
The motor was a 7hp Yamaha that was added later.

I use my power hoist to do MOB rescue from the life sling, but the boom might work but not in heavy seas.
Jim...

 

[DayDreamer41]

That is what the previous owner did! He had a 4 point connecting "sling" and used the boom as a hoist. to put the inflated dingy overboard.
The motor was a 7hp Yamaha that was added later.

I use my power hoist to do MOB rescue from the life sling, but the boom might work but not in heavy seas.
Jim...

Jim,

Would you have a picture of what the previous owner had as for the (4) point connecting sling?

I was actually thinking more along the lines of an arm which would be a fixed to the the aft end of the boom when it was to be used as an assistant to hoist the dink motor.

 

[JamesG161]

Would you have a picture of what the previous owner had as for the (4) point connecting sling?

No Pictures, but found the sling and the dinghy inflator buried deep. LOL.

The sling was sized to hook up my WestMarine hypalon dingy that has 4 points to connect to it.
I suspect different size slings for different dinks.
_____
The boom lift, is the key to hold the boom up, but you can swing it overboard like a davit. No strain on boom that way.

I thought I could do the motor the same, but life rails were a pain. Pulling the dink, to the back makes it east to lift the motor to the dink. Mine weighs 42 lbs.
Jim...

 

[JamesG161]

I suspect different size slings for different dinks.

This is a 3 point sling...
WEST MARINE Dinghy Lifting Sling | West Marine

Another size is for heavier dinks.
Jim...