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Boom Topping Lift

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pegasus
1st Mate

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USA
65 Posts

Initially Posted - 05/17/2006 : 09:06:55

I have my mast down and have the opportunity to replace my boom topping lift. I have the extra length of wire (and a clip) off my back stay that the boom attaches to when in the slip, so I'm wondering if I really need to replace the topping lift? I hate to sound dumb, which I'm getting pretty good at, but do i really need to replace this line?

Edited by - on

Rich G
Navigator

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226 Posts

Response Posted - 05/17/2006 : 09:31:20

There is a lot of information on this topic in the archives. Do a search for topping lift and you'll get more than the answer you bargained for.

In short, that pigtail can prove to be very dangerous if it's all you have to hold up your boom. For one thing, if you are raising your sails and get hit by a gust, the boom is not free to swing and dump the air. As a result, it fills with air, the boat lurches forward and heels over. If this catches you by surprise you might find yourself quite wet, watching your boat sail away from you from about six inches above sea level.

You have the mast down; rig yourself a proper topping lift. There is even a very recent thread on the different types of topping lifts people have.

Someone will most likely chime in to say, "Get a rigid vang!"

Edited by - Rich G on 05/17/2006 09:32:58

pegasus
1st Mate

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USA
65 Posts

Response Posted - 05/17/2006 : 12:52:40

Live and learn...On my -22 I would run the main out on the boom with the boom laying on the deck, or with the boom clipped to the backstay (hoping a gust of wind didn't knock me overboard). Gee, if I'd used a topping lift I could have easily bent on the main without scratching up the deck with the boom, or danced the cabin-top shuffle with the boom attached to the backstay.

Thanks, I'm reinstalling the topping lift!

Edited by - on

dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 05/17/2006 : 17:28:54

I would install a proper topping lift. My last boat had just the pigtail and like Rich said, it can be quite hazardous at times.

Topping lifts are rather simple to rig. My topping lift consists of a singe line attached to the masthead that has a block on the end of it which ends about three feet above the boom. A second line is tied to a becket on a single block at the end of the boom. From this becket, the line goes up to the block on the masthead line, back down through the block, then along the boom to the cabintop. If you didn't want to run it to the cabintop, you could just cleat it off at the end of the boom provided you have a cleat there.

Edited by - dlucier on 05/17/2006 20:00:04

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Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.