Topping lift

[jrcooksr]

Let me qualify this question by saying I'm still rather new to all of this. I was watching a video on trimming sails. When the main was discussed, they talked about the various "tools" at ones disposal for proper sail shape. One of them was releasing the topping lift. This makes perfect sense to me except on my rig, the topping lift is fastened to the front third of the boom. If I were to release mine, I'd have no where to tie it off. Is there a proper way to do this on such a configured rig? Or is a modification in order? If so, then how?
Thanks
Jeff

 

[Lost Parent]

Topping lift on my 1982 is at the end of the boom and runs back along the side about 8 ft where it is cleated off

 

[Joe]

You may be confusing a lazy jack for a topping lift. In any event.... if it's a single line that can be adjusted...... move it to the boom end to use it as topping lift. The boom's end cap should have some place to attach a shackle... if not just tie it on with a short piece of line or webbing.

Here's a link to the original C30 parts manual, if you scroll down to page 20 you'll see the factory version of the topping lift. You are by no means restricted to this design... there are many ways to set it up.... so be creative.

 

[jrcooksr]

You may be confusing a lazy jack for a topping lift. In any event.... if it's a single line that can be adjusted...... move it to the boom end to use it as topping lift. The boom's end cap should have some place to attach a shackle... if not just tie it on with a short piece of line or webbing.

Here's a link to the original C30 parts manual, if you scroll down to page 20 you'll see the factory version of the topping lift. You are by no means restricted to this design... there are many ways to set it up.... so be creative.

Thanks Joe. Mine is set-up just as shown on page 7 of the link you shared. Not very user friendly. You're right however, it should be a simple fix. I was just wondering why they would have done it that way and if I was missing something.
Jeff

 

[foolproof]

The topping lift on my boat is different. It starts with a line tied to the end of the boom, then up to the masthead where it rounds a sheave and runs down the mast. At the base of the mast is a turning block, then a cleat on the eyebrow of the cockpit so that I can adjust it...it is situated right next to my main sheet so that I can use the two of them together to set sail trim.