topping lift

[Barry]

I have an H30 1975 vintage with a pigtail holding the boom end up when not sailing. There is no topping lift, That pigtail is a pain to connect and disconnect, especially when alone. Should I install a topping lift, and would it stay attached under sail? If so, how would I attach it to the mast?Thanks for the comments ahead of timeBarry

 

[Carl Senos]

My '78 does have a topping lift. It's been awhile since I've had the mast down, so I don't remember how it is attached at the top. However, if there is no attachment point on your mast, you could use a small S.S. strap, bent and fastened over the top.The S.S. cable ends about 2 feet above the end of the boom with a small turning block. (This may be a double block. Can't remember.) A line is fastened at the end of the boom, going up through the topping lift block, down through a block near the end of the boom, and to a cleat. This allows adjustment, to slack the topping lift while under sail.You should definitely add one to replace the pigtail, not just for convenience, but for safety. I know. I had a smaller boat with a pigtail many years ago. The boom got dropped accidentally on my wife, by me. No amount of feeling sorry about that makes up for it. I'm still reminded every once in a while.

 

[Ed Schenck]

Check the masthead.

I have learned that the older Kenyon masts like my own have extra sheaves up there(I have never been up there). You could run a spare halyard to use as an adjustable topping lift. And now you have an emergency halyard for the main if you ever need one. I lost my main halyard once when the shackle let go.

 

[Pat Taylor]

1975 30 with topping lift.

Hi Barry,I have a 1975 Hunter 30 that has a topping lift. It is connected to the end of the boom and then goes through a sheave at the top of the mast and then down the outside of the mast to a cleat at boom height. I believe that the mast is the original and there are at least 3 sheaves at the top.You will probably have to go to the top of the mast to run it. If you are anywhere near Havre de Grace I would be glad to loan you my Mast Mate.Good LuckPat "Mystic" ptaylor@ptd.net

 

[David Foster]

Solid boom vang?

If I didn't already have a topping lift on our h27, I would get a solid boom vang which can support the boom as well as hold it down (according to other discussions here, and their product claims.)

 

[ss]

running topping lift

Although I haven't done it yet (its on my project list), I'd probably (soon) use the extra shive to set up a running topping lift. It can be used as a spare halyard in a pinch. Of course I shouldn't talk too much since that's all I'm doing about my topping lift is talking.