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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

Catalina 25 Specific Forum

Topping Lift

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swarchitect
1st Mate

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USA
41 Posts

Initially Posted - 07/09/2002 : 18:59:37

I have a 1982 25, standard rig, and when I got the boat, it appeared that the topping lift was just a single line, from the top of the mast to the end of the boom. It had been cut, so I am replacing it.

The Catalina Direct catalog shows an adjustable topping lift kit, including a couple blocks, etc. Does anyone use this adjustable topping lift? The rear stay has a pigtail, and when attached, the boom is fine above the cockpit at anchor or in the slip.

I understand the value of a topping lift, to keep the boom up while dropping the sails, etc. but is it really neccessary to be so adjustible? , or should I just replace the single line when I next drop the mast?

Edited by - on

tapinkham
1st Mate

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USA
36 Posts

Response Posted - 07/09/2002 : 20:48:23

I have the pigtail as well and am so happy I bought the topping lift
kit from CD. I'm 6'4" so I was always banging my head on the boom when not sailing. With the topping lift I just lift the boom up out of the way. Between that and the pop top I'm a happy sailor.

Tim

Edited by - on

Derek Crawford
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3321 Posts

Response Posted - 07/09/2002 : 21:13:07

An adjustable topping list is one of the "fine tuning" controls. In good wind, the weight of the boom helps shape the mainsail. When winds are light or drifter conditions, the boom weight makes the sail too flat. You tension the topping lift to add depth to the sail. (Also ease the halyards, ease the vang, ease the outhaul and take off the cunningham).
Derek

Edited by - on

n/a
deleted

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62 Posts

Response Posted - 07/10/2002 : 10:27:23

I prefer a mast mounted topping lift to the pigtail on the stay for the simple reason that you might forget to hook up the pigtail and drop the boom on the head of someone in the cockpit.

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John Mason
Admiral

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USA
687 Posts

Response Posted - 07/10/2002 : 12:46:16

I added an adjustable topping lift this season. Rigged it like a halyard. 1/8" Spectron up to a sheave at the masthead, down inside the mast (internal halyards-love 'em), out through the deck organiser and back to a clam cleat. With the single reefing line and halyards run aft I can reef in about 30 seconds. And the boom doesn't land on my head<img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>.

John Mason - Ali Paroosa
1982 - FK/SR #3290

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Sidurian
1st Mate

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USA
27 Posts

Response Posted - 07/11/2002 : 11:46:07

I run my topping lift back to the cockpit through a triple clutch...I've kept the pigtail (insisted on it when I bought new, beefed up rigging) but have never had to use it. Interestingly enough, when I installed the lazy jacks (which I also run through another triple clutch on the port side of the pop-top), I started using them at times like a topping lift....works almost just as well. :-)

There's always something!

Edited by - on

Douglas
Master Marine Consultant

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1595 Posts

Response Posted - 07/11/2002 : 12:14:24

Just as the previous post says. I have no topping lift I did install a set of lazy jacks for about 16$ and when they are up they hold the boom from droping just like a toping lift. If you cant afford to drop the mast and put up a toping lift then go the lazy jack route. Its cheap and it works. It also serves two functions. Holds the boom up and gathers the sails when dousing.

Doug&Ruth
Wind Lass
Tacoma Wa.

Edited by - on

Phredde
Navigator

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125 Posts

Response Posted - 07/15/2002 : 18:38:33

Douglas - that's great. I wanted to put on a real topping lift when I had the mast down, but got too eager to get back out sailing and I didn't have all of the details worked out. Where did you get the lazy jack kit? Catalina Direct?

P.S. The pigtail route really sucks when you are trying to drop sails in bouncy and blustery conditions

Phredde
Catalina 25
San Francisco

Edited by - on

Douglas
Master Marine Consultant

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1595 Posts

Response Posted - 07/15/2002 : 19:50:56

I didn't purchase a kit I made them up myself. A couple of U fittings on the sides of the mast two small pullies two more U fittings on the boom two small cleats and a cheap 100' package of nylon three strand.

Doug&Ruth
Wind Lass
Tacoma Wa.

Edited by - on

Kirk W.
Deckhand

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USA
14 Posts

Response Posted - 07/17/2002 : 13:07:02

How did you get the brackets and line up the mast with out lowering the mast?

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Douglas
Master Marine Consultant

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1595 Posts

Response Posted - 07/19/2002 : 23:36:37

Kirk I have to admit I put the brakets on when I had the mast down for a rewire. I think its 16 feet to just below my spredders. How about a good ladder ???

Doug&Ruth
Wind Lass
Tacoma Wa.

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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.