It is easy
Larry: It easy to add a topping lift, especially if you do it before you raise the mast. I made mine out of very thin line, probably about 1/8 inch diameter, but this is probably thinner than I would use if I were to do it again. (I'm a little nuts about aerodynamic drag). The topping lift doesn't really have to support much weight, and it only has to do it before the sail is raised and when the clip at the stern end of the boom is removed. I put a piece of heat shrink tubing over the upper end of mine to minimize wear. The upper end is attached to the same pin that the backstay is attached to, at the masthead. At the lower end, the line goes through the eye strap that the clip that holds the boom up clips onto. Then it goes to a little cleat, that I guess I put onto the boom for reefing. Once you find the right length for the topping lift, you won't be adjusting it, so I don't see any reason for a block at all. In fact, I think I put a mark onto the topping lift line with a Sharpie pen that shows me from year to year where it goes through the eyestrap.I hope this helps, Aldo