hi, i have sailed my boat for three seasons. i have a roller furling main and a rod kicker. boat never had a topping lift installed to back of boom. she sails great in all points of sail conditions. is this a missing line a design or a mistake made by dealer.... thanks alan
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Depends
I assume a "rod kicker" is a vang that holds the boom up as well? A topping lift is a sail control (in addition to being a boom support). It is most effective on a loose-footed main, IMHO. In light winds, snugging the topping lift puts more belly or curvature to the mainsail making it more efficient. Coupled with loosening the outhaul, you can make the main into a big, fat wing for those 3-5 knot summer days.
I assume a "rod kicker" is a vang that holds the boom up as well? A topping lift is a sail control (in addition to being a boom support). It is most effective on a loose-footed main, IMHO. In light winds, snugging the topping lift puts more belly or curvature to the mainsail making it more efficient. Coupled with loosening the outhaul, you can make the main into a big, fat wing for those 3-5 knot summer days.
Count your blessings
A topping lift is like an appendix, I couldn't wait to get mine out. Your boom kicker does the job of supporting and raising the aft end of the boom if it is installed properly and the main halyard becomes the support when the sails are stowed. I use a three part vang as my preventer which doubles as a boom location lock when done sailing. With the main halyard attached at the end of the boom, the mainsheet and the preventer, the boom is locked in any position I choose.
A topping lift is like an appendix, I couldn't wait to get mine out. Your boom kicker does the job of supporting and raising the aft end of the boom if it is installed properly and the main halyard becomes the support when the sails are stowed. I use a three part vang as my preventer which doubles as a boom location lock when done sailing. With the main halyard attached at the end of the boom, the mainsheet and the preventer, the boom is locked in any position I choose.
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