Does anyone have any specs for a topping lift for a 26S? You know diameter, length, etc. I know what it should look lile, but I don't know the dimensions, or is it just trial and error? My boat came with a piece of rope to tie around the boom, which is not very pretty and a pain to have to keep in place. If anyone has one, perhaps they would be so kind as to take some measurements for me.
- Status
Richard...
There are two uses for a topping lift. The primary one is to hold the boom up when the main is down. The other is to close the leech in very light air. However, most of the time when the main is up, it should not interfere with the position of the boom. Therefore a small degree of adjustability is advantageous. There are many ways to set up a topping lift. Some are attached to the aft end of the boom, run to a block at the top of the mast, down the mast and terminated in some manner (horn, clam or cam cleat). Others extend from the chickenhead down to the aft end of the boom where it is cleated in some manner (that's how I set mine up). I used 1/8" single braid rope. The length is sufficient to allow the top of the boom to mast angle to open up a few degrees past 90. I don't have the exact length...but just purchase about 6 feet more than the length of the leech...which would be about 32 feet total (the stock 26C mainsail leech is 26'2"). That will give you plenty to set it up favorably, then trim the excess. If you choose to run it down the mast, you'll need about 70 feet.
There are two uses for a topping lift. The primary one is to hold the boom up when the main is down. The other is to close the leech in very light air. However, most of the time when the main is up, it should not interfere with the position of the boom. Therefore a small degree of adjustability is advantageous. There are many ways to set up a topping lift. Some are attached to the aft end of the boom, run to a block at the top of the mast, down the mast and terminated in some manner (horn, clam or cam cleat). Others extend from the chickenhead down to the aft end of the boom where it is cleated in some manner (that's how I set mine up). I used 1/8" single braid rope. The length is sufficient to allow the top of the boom to mast angle to open up a few degrees past 90. I don't have the exact length...but just purchase about 6 feet more than the length of the leech...which would be about 32 feet total (the stock 26C mainsail leech is 26'2"). That will give you plenty to set it up favorably, then trim the excess. If you choose to run it down the mast, you'll need about 70 feet.
Thanks Dave
I will probably just go with the one run from the mast to the boom, and not down the mast as that is where the rope is run from now. Is there any special sort of fitting used on the end of the boom? At the moment the rope on mine is just wrapped around the end of the boom using the cleat for the outhaul to secure it. You really should consider setting up that Mac store you mentioned in an earlier discussion. I would certainly be a regular customer!
I will probably just go with the one run from the mast to the boom, and not down the mast as that is where the rope is run from now. Is there any special sort of fitting used on the end of the boom? At the moment the rope on mine is just wrapped around the end of the boom using the cleat for the outhaul to secure it. You really should consider setting up that Mac store you mentioned in an earlier discussion. I would certainly be a regular customer!
Richard, I use
the smallest horn cleat I could find. It is attached to the cap on the end of the boom. The rope goes through the open base and is knotted where I want the boom to be the lowest. To adjust it, I pull on the short tail and make it fast to the cleat. I am sure there are more elegant ways to do it...but that works for me. Just wrapped up my 17th season on this boat...not a particularly good season. I might be able to get out for a couple of weeks at the end of Oct...waiting to get this cast off my arm. I am working on the store idea...nearly have the business plan completed...slow going trying to type with one hand.
the smallest horn cleat I could find. It is attached to the cap on the end of the boom. The rope goes through the open base and is knotted where I want the boom to be the lowest. To adjust it, I pull on the short tail and make it fast to the cleat. I am sure there are more elegant ways to do it...but that works for me. Just wrapped up my 17th season on this boat...not a particularly good season. I might be able to get out for a couple of weeks at the end of Oct...waiting to get this cast off my arm. I am working on the store idea...nearly have the business plan completed...slow going trying to type with one hand.
Thanks again Dave....
and if there is anything I can do to help you get set up, please let me know.
and if there is anything I can do to help you get set up, please let me know.
1/4" eye bolt
I drilled and tapped a 1/4-20 hole in the end of the boom. Then screwed in a SS eye bolt. I have the drill and taps so it was an easy choice. Makes derigging faster.
I drilled and tapped a 1/4-20 hole in the end of the boom. Then screwed in a SS eye bolt. I have the drill and taps so it was an easy choice. Makes derigging faster.
Here is my in-experience
Ok, I have no idea what this means. Topping lift, at the end of the boom. What does this accomplish? I don't have any idea what this means. Can someone tell me and fill me in? Thanks, Gregg
Ok, I have no idea what this means. Topping lift, at the end of the boom. What does this accomplish? I don't have any idea what this means. Can someone tell me and fill me in? Thanks, Gregg
Mine's swaged to the back stay
My topping lift is s/s wire about 20" long with a clip that attaches to the end of the boom. the other end is swaged to the back stay. works fine.......... does everyone else have turning block on the mast with a line? BTW- Jeeezzz Dave, why did ya go an break you're arm for in the middle of the season? what were you thinking? it couldnt wait til winter! Seriously, get well soon!
My topping lift is s/s wire about 20" long with a clip that attaches to the end of the boom. the other end is swaged to the back stay. works fine.......... does everyone else have turning block on the mast with a line? BTW- Jeeezzz Dave, why did ya go an break you're arm for in the middle of the season? what were you thinking? it couldnt wait til winter! Seriously, get well soon!
Gregg...
"topping lift" is just one of those affectateous sailing terms for a "boom holder upper". It has only a very subtle use beyond that. It's just a way to keep the boom from falling into the cockpit when you lower the mains'l.
"topping lift" is just one of those affectateous sailing terms for a "boom holder upper". It has only a very subtle use beyond that. It's just a way to keep the boom from falling into the cockpit when you lower the mains'l.
Ohhhhh
I get it. I have a short 12" cable that I attach to the end of the boom whenever I am lowering the main. I just thought hat the guy I bought it from was smart. I use that that thing all the time. Especially when I am only sailing from the genoa. Thanks..... I am still a rookie.
I get it. I have a short 12" cable that I attach to the end of the boom whenever I am lowering the main. I just thought hat the guy I bought it from was smart. I use that that thing all the time. Especially when I am only sailing from the genoa. Thanks..... I am still a rookie.
Thanks Bill...
I did it on (or rather off) my bicycle. I should be good as new in another week or so. You are right about the timing...I am missing the salmon run (fly fishing) end of the golf season, can't ride my bike and most important of all, I am missing my favorite part of the sailing season.
I did it on (or rather off) my bicycle. I should be good as new in another week or so. You are right about the timing...I am missing the salmon run (fly fishing) end of the golf season, can't ride my bike and most important of all, I am missing my favorite part of the sailing season.
Dual Use
Try the cleat like mentioned before, but put a cheek block at the top of the mast, double the line, AND ta da, you have your flag halyard too. Remember the proper way to display the flag under sail is at the gaff.
Try the cleat like mentioned before, but put a cheek block at the top of the mast, double the line, AND ta da, you have your flag halyard too. Remember the proper way to display the flag under sail is at the gaff.
Shredded Topping lift
Well here is a great story... My dad totally hurricane proofed his 34' Gemini for the two recent hurricanes, and he did experience a little chaffing. His main and jib halyards were not safe to use, even we went out last week with them. We have since replaced them..... $180.00 later for two 75' X 1/2" halyards. Glad that is not my bill. Then today we were checking out all of his NAV lights, and found that all of the debis that was flying around, broke his bow light, steaming light, and his stern light. As we were running the new lines up the mast, and sending my son up the mast to retreive the steaming light, I noticed my dad's topping lift line that starts at the deck, and rund up the mast then to the clue of the boom. It looked like a cat's tail that was rubbed the wrong way. It had nothing to chaff on. It was just the 120+ mph wind that slammed into it. The boat was tied for the hurricane, and withstood a 9 foot surge. It broke two pilings , but no physical damage to the boat. It sailed great last Thursday. We are going to replace the Topping lift line and the steaming light on Thursday, and I am headed home on Saturday. After that..........He is on his own. California to Florida is a long way to go and not have a sail day on the calendat.
Happy sailing to all.
Well here is a great story... My dad totally hurricane proofed his 34' Gemini for the two recent hurricanes, and he did experience a little chaffing. His main and jib halyards were not safe to use, even we went out last week with them. We have since replaced them..... $180.00 later for two 75' X 1/2" halyards. Glad that is not my bill. Then today we were checking out all of his NAV lights, and found that all of the debis that was flying around, broke his bow light, steaming light, and his stern light. As we were running the new lines up the mast, and sending my son up the mast to retreive the steaming light, I noticed my dad's topping lift line that starts at the deck, and rund up the mast then to the clue of the boom. It looked like a cat's tail that was rubbed the wrong way. It had nothing to chaff on. It was just the 120+ mph wind that slammed into it. The boat was tied for the hurricane, and withstood a 9 foot surge. It broke two pilings , but no physical damage to the boat. It sailed great last Thursday. We are going to replace the Topping lift line and the steaming light on Thursday, and I am headed home on Saturday. After that..........He is on his own. California to Florida is a long way to go and not have a sail day on the calendat.
Happy sailing to all.- Status