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Topping lift question again

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Scooter
Navigator

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USA
228 Posts

Initially Posted - 03/15/2006 : 11:33:10

I have searched the archives for descriptions but I can't see any pics of how to get the topping lift from interfering up top.

I want to have the topping lift run down the mast to the cockpit. Inside or out. (Also thinking along boom??) I could do a temp but if I have time this year I would like to do it right.

Concern is at the masthead. How to get directed toward base.

Another thought was using a cable from masthead to just above boom end and have pully at the end. Running the line from end of boom up through pulley and back down and along boom then to deck and back to cockpit but the angle would be pretty much at the base of mast.

Hate to buy "kit" when I probably have things laying around I could use.

Thoughts?

Scooter
C25 '89 SR/WK #5878 "Square Knot"
Vandemere NC.

Edited by - on

Leon Sisson
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1893 Posts

Response Posted - 03/15/2006 : 12:48:44

Scooter,

On three boats so far, I've installed topping lifts that work almost exactly as your second description -- wire from top of backstay down to bullet block a couple of feet above boom. From there, light line forward along (or inside) boom to gooseneck. Then down to deck, out to deck organizer, aft to cleat of some sort. A couple of details to consider: The topping lift needs to be strong enough that a guest would be unlikely to accidently break it, either by horsing down hard on the mainsheet, or by sitting on the boom. A sudden topping lift failure (without a bimini up) can be a significant safety hazard. I used about 400# to 750# SS wire rope, 3/16" Dacron double braid, and a 3:1 tackle between them, and selected blocks, eye-straps, etc. with particular attention to their rated breaking strength.

-- Leon Sisson

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JimB517
Past Commodore

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USA
3285 Posts

Response Posted - 03/15/2006 : 14:46:01

Here you can see mine, so simple, no lines to run. The topping lift is wire, terminates in a loop with a block. This little block has something like a self tailer to hold the line. Nothing to run along boom or mast. I tie off excess line to the backstay when the boom is up and the boat is put away

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dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 03/15/2006 : 15:15:55

Scooter,

My setup is pretty much the same as Leon's, with the topping lift led to the cabintop, and if your grand plan is to lead your lines aft (halyards, reefing lines) you might want to plan your topping lift setup accordingly.

Edited by - dlucier on 03/15/2006 15:16:29

Derek Crawford
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3321 Posts

Response Posted - 03/15/2006 : 19:03:19

I'm with our Commodore on this one. IMHO it is entirely unnecessary
to bring the topping lift back to the cockpit via the masthead - it's just more line hanging around! I have a similar set-up to Jim (except I use 3/16' line - plenty strong enough). This kind of set-up can be adjusted 90% of the time - only when running can you not reach it, and I know that we don't adjust the topping lift very often after it's initially set - only if the wind goes to nothing is it necessary.
It's just part of my K.I.S.S. philosophy

Derek

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Champipple
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
6855 Posts

Response Posted - 03/15/2006 : 19:05:14

I purchased some 3/16ths line and a small ti-light block from harken. The block is strung on the same pin that the aft stay is on. The line runs down the outside of the mast to a base block and then back to the cockpit.

dw

Edited by - on

existentialsailor
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1180 Posts

Response Posted - 03/15/2006 : 19:20:16

How about a rigid boom vang?

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dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 03/15/2006 : 19:23:52

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by existentialsailor
 How about a rigid boom vang?<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

A rigid boom vang might add some extra work when raising the pop top.

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Champipple
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
6855 Posts

Response Posted - 03/15/2006 : 19:31:34

Rigid boom vang is good, but neither that nor the boom kicker will provide the stability that a lot of us use the boom for when moving around the boat...

Also have the problem that don notes with the pop top

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existentialsailor
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1180 Posts

Response Posted - 03/15/2006 : 19:35:50

Right, I should have realized, scratch the rigd boom vang.
(I don't even know what a pop top is, nor do I understand the stabilty thing referenced)

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dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 03/15/2006 : 20:05:17

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by existentialsailor
 (I don't even know what a pop top is,...<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Rick,

The poptop is a 5' by 4' section of the cabintop that hinges up to open up the main cabin. You can somewhat see it in this picture just under the forward part of the boom.

Edited by - on

ct95949
Captain

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Aruba
300 Posts

Response Posted - 03/15/2006 : 20:05:25

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Hate to buy "kit" when I probably have things laying around I could use.<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
I bet you do.I've only had my boat for three years and accumulated enough parts to build a nice lazy jack without buying a thing.
I opted to keep my topping lift stuff on the end of the boom,I decided I already had enough running from mast to cockpit.

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ClamBeach
Master Marine Consultant

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3072 Posts

Response Posted - 03/15/2006 : 21:40:13

Mine is like DW's... run just like another halyard through a block at the masthead.
I've never had an issue with it interfering with anything else up there.

It gives me a warm, fuzzy feeling to have what amounts to a functional spare halyard pre-rigged and ready to go.

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