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Newbie Question about rigging

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2far2drive
1st Mate

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USA
74 Posts

Initially Posted - 09/04/2007 : 21:32:44

Hi to the board all!

Well, I know I broke some rules here but I had to throw this up in a hurry. I did a basic search but didnt find much, so Ill just ask for some advice. I apologize in advance if this has already been addressed.

I recently purchased (still awaiting full paperwork, no money exchanged yet) a 83' Catalina 25. I have always had a crazy lust to sail and while I almost went for something bigger (a great deal from a friend on a Catalina 30) I decided that 18K was a bit much to throw at my first boat just to find out if it is for me or not. I picked mine up from my step-uncle for 3K so that was a much better deal.

Ok, time to be flamed

I have pretty much no previous sailing experience. I have been out once but I barely remember that trip and what all I was doing with the sails. I know, I know. This is not exactly the best way to get started, Im extreamly aware of this. However, I have convinced myself I can do it and if not, well, I lost a couple of grand trying.

Im reading and learning everything I can get my hands on and working on the boat already (pretty much hardcore cleaning, she has been sitting unattended for over 3 years) has been rewarding and Im already looking forward to this weekends list of projects. I am a student and I have a great job working for a franchise owner of Jackson Hewitt stores doing all the tech work. I have tons of time after tax season, literally, I work only 6 hours/week from May 15th - early November with fully salary!!!! I have time and commitment for this boat!

Anyways, sorry for the long introduction. I had a guy I know check out the boat and he said it was a decent deal for 3k, she just needs some work. He told me first and foremost to replace all the running rigging. However, Im just now learning this stuff, and have no idea what Im getting into. He recomened West Marine but they sell in length, and having no manual, I dont know the lengths nor the correct diameters/types. I found another site that has generic Catalina 25 rigging and the prices seem along the lines of what he said it should cost, but Im just trying to make sure here. I would ask him to help, but Im trying to just learn as much as I can without bothering him and read and research.

Thanks for the help and any advice/flames I get from this. Im looking forward to hopefully being a part of the cruising world soon!!!!

David
83 SR/FK #3341
Kemah Texas

Edited by - on

Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

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Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts

Response Posted - 09/04/2007 : 22:00:23

The manuals are online here. Make sure you follow all of the diagram/figure links. I printed the entire manual when I first came here.
Go to catalinadirect.com and pour over every item they sell for the catalina 25, they sell a catalog/manual that is very nice as a source for lots of upgrade information and products.
Study other boats, if you see something that looks cool ask the skipper about it, see if there is something like it for your boat.
Discover defender.com
Mauripro.com
Don't be afraid to buy rope in lengths, you can get the ends custom finished just for your needs. (thimble, eye, shackle, whip, etc...)
Study the photos on members sites, I have pages of detailed photos on my site and so do many other members. A picture of a boat shows a lot of things if you study it long enough.
When you are new to sailing there are two things you really care a lot about; not sinking and not having the mast fall down. If your bilge is not dry, it should be and you probably need standing rigging too.
welcome and have a great time on your boat.

PS The very best time to sail is at night, moon or no, just go.

Edited by - Frank Hopper on 09/04/2007 22:01:00

Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 09/04/2007 : 22:00:58

Welcome David! First, we don't flame anyone here for asking questions! We're all learning... and you'll find this to be the most supportive sailing group on the web!

Your question is somewhat open-ended--the lengths of sheets and halyards depend on what rig you have (tall or standard), what size headsail (a 155 needs longer sheets than a 110 to reach around the mast), your mainsheet tackle (3-to-1, 4-to-1, etc.), and whether lines are led back to the cockpit (generally an upgrade). If you replace rope-to-wire halyards with all-rope (recommended), you'll probably need new sheaves at the top of the mast, since the original ones are too narrow for the 5/16ths rope that is most popular.

If you've been following these forums, you've read references to Catalina Direct, a 3rd party supplier of upgrades and replacement parts for the C-25 (and other models). Take a look at http://www.catalinadirect.com/ and then order their C-25 Owner's Handbook--the best $10 you'll spend on the boat. It's essentially their catalog, but has many ideas for great upgrades, and they really know our boats. With some details about yours, they can steer you pretty well on what to get.

While I haven't seen your running rigging, I'm just a little skeptical about the urgency of replacing it. Lines can be very gray and faded and still be strong enough to get you out on the water. "Meat-hooks" on the wire (cable) part of the halyards can be another matter--they can damage the jib as well as your hands.

Keep the questions coming, and best of luck with your new adventure!

Edited by - on

dmpilc
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4593 Posts

Response Posted - 09/04/2007 : 22:15:44

Having just gone through some of this myself, I'll try to help, but first a qestion or two. Is the mast up or down? If down, the process may be easier. Do you have internal halyards, all rope or wire to rope? Are halyards led back to the cockpit?
I replaced most of my running rigging by simply removing the lines I wanted to replace, and measured them. My halyards are external, wire to rope, and the mast was up, so I took 3/16" 0r 1/4" line to use as temporary replacement lines for the rope part of the halyards, tied them on to each end of each halyard so I wouldn't lose the halyards. Measured the old ones, bought new lines and swapped them back. The sheets were easier, just measured and bought replacements. Halyards should be 5/16" or 3/8". For the main sheet, 3/8" works fine. Genoa sheets can also be 3/8" but you may want to go with 7/16" for the working jib. Traveler and adjustable backstay can be 1/4" line.
I've got a complete list, lengths and diameters, in a file somewhere, from another website. I'll try to find it.

Edited by - on

Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

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Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts

Response Posted - 09/05/2007 : 06:22:43

I do not recommend staying with wire halyards. There are a lot of reasons, safety and reliability are the two biggies. Line is now stronger and safer than wire. My 1/4" halyards can lift the boat and fit the stock sheaves, (which are probably trashed from the wire anyway). A quality wire to rope halyard with a true splice is better than the thimbled crap Catalina used but still not as good as pure rope. Wire causes problems.

Edited by - on

Champipple
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
6855 Posts

Response Posted - 09/05/2007 : 07:13:32

You'll find that most of the good line is sold in length's. Most of your pre-fab halyard and sheet kits for our boat or any other are compiled with inferior cordage. Specifically for line check out Layline.com. Many times they will have deals on "dead ends", these are the ends of reals that are left over. With most boats the length wouldn't be enough, for example the catalina 30 you were looking for. However for a C-25 they will work perfectly. Even if there aren't any specials, the price to quality ratio is very good on the rest of their inventory. Layline also has a good staff of people to help answer your questions and they will help you determine the right line for your task and a good catalog and website full of information. There are also a number of online stores at Ebay that carry line. Milwaukee Rigging being one. With good care, the better lines will last years.

Also check out Samson Rope and Yale Cordage and New England rope online. They have a lot of information online plus splicing manuals and pamphlets. Take the time and learn how to put an eye splice and a back end splice into double braided line. It is fun to learn, fairly easy to do and in the long run will save you a few bucks and give you more options - especially if you can put the splice in at the end. In the beginning before you learn these things - simple bowline knots will work in nearly every rigging line application.

Get a knot tying book - The Ashley Book of Knots is probably the best, but there are many others. You need to be able to tie a bowline, (pronounced bo-lin), a square knot, a cleat hitch, half hitch etc.

As for lengths - as noted earlier there are a lot of ways to measure that. Jib sheets need to be long enough to go from your winch, around the mast and back to the other winch give or take a few feet. Halyards need to go at a minimum from the base of the mast to the top (call it 30 feet) and back down to the bow (another 30). If you lead the lines aft to the cockpit add another 10 to 15. You'll also need line for the boom vang, traveler, mainsheet and to reef (shorten sail area of) the main.

Though it has seen better days, the links section of our website has tons of informational and commercial links. (many of which give referral fees to the group) take some time and browse them.

Scour this website - there is months worth of 24-7 reading here.

Other tips - Start now and make a list of everything you need to do. Your first goal is to get the boat sailing safely - pristine cleanliness and all the fun toys comes second. Outboard, sails, line rigging, coast guard required equipment etc. So prioritize your list that way. That alone will take a fair amount of time.

Last few things - Go to Harken.com, Defender, APS, Layline, garhauer, schaefer, and as many other supplier sites you can find and download or order their catalog. Use the ebay search links here on this site for other cheap toys and just absorb as much info as you can.

Welcome.

Edited by - on

Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

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Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts

Response Posted - 09/05/2007 : 09:15:26

The Harken Catalog has diagrams of boats in the front with the hardware locations and names noted, it is like a cheat sheet for sailboat hardware names.

Edited by - on

Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 09/05/2007 : 09:17:09

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Champipple
 Most of your pre-fab halyard and sheet kits for our boat or any other are compiled with inferior cordage.<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
However, I can report that the rope halyards I got from Catalina Direct to replace wire-to-rope and lead aft to the cockpit seemed excellent. My furler required halyard tension, and I could not detect 1/4" of stretch over an entire season of constant tension. Purists could probably do better, but CD's "kit" was simple and effective for me. I can say the same thing for their standing rigging, except that I had to have the backstay shortened to get the mast rake I needed.

Edited by - on

Steve Milby
Past Commodore

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USA
5894 Posts

Response Posted - 09/05/2007 : 09:43:29

I agree with Duane's recommendation that you check out "Layline." They're price competitive, carry all the best brands, and are very helpful.

I also agree with Frank that you trash the wire-to-rope halyards, and replace them with all-rope halyards.

Finally, don't give in to the temptation to use over-sized lines. I use 3/8" halyards on my 35' boat, and they're fine for a cruising boat. If lines are too big, they weigh more, cost more, and may not run freely through blocks, sheaves and stoppers, or fit your cleats.

Edited by - on

dmpilc
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4593 Posts

Response Posted - 09/05/2007 : 10:58:08

I found the site giving line lengths for a Cat-25. On your browser's search line, type in Captain Eddie's Harbor. He owns(ed) hull # 2801, apparently a tall rig. His site contains a complete running rigging list, with diameters and lengths. His sheets are 7/16 (mine are 3/8), halyards are 5/16. Everything else is 1/4, except burgee halyard and furler messenger line (both 1/8). Even tells what colors he used. Anyway, I found it a useful, all in one place, list, so I put a copy in my file along with a copy of the boat specs. As Dave indicated above, if you don't already have all-rope halyards, using 5/16 will require that you change out the sheaves in the mast head. I may do that when I have to take the mast down (not anytime soon since I don't have a trailer and I'm not planning to take it anywhere).

Edited by - dmpilc on 09/05/2007 13:20:34

Dave Bristle
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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 09/05/2007 : 11:05:32

And I agree with Steve on line size... Somebody (before me) put 1/2" double-braid sheets on mine--too big! I planned to replace them with 3/8" single-braid, but sold her. Single-braid is nice for sheets--easier on the hands and lies nicely in the cockpit.

Edited by - on

jerlim
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1484 Posts

Response Posted - 09/05/2007 : 11:42:54

All good advice above. I'd add to spend the winter reading, reading and then do some reading. Your neighbors in the marina will be very valuable too.
Welcome to the Forum!

Edited by - on

dmpilc
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
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Response Posted - 09/05/2007 : 13:19:45

Are you guys saying that a high strength 1/4" line will work as all rope halyards and will fit the existing wire halyard sheaves? What brand do you use?

Edited by - on

2far2drive
1st Mate

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USA
74 Posts

Response Posted - 09/05/2007 : 13:39:16

WOW! This is awsome! Thanks for all the great replies. I will check out those links pronto! I have Don Casey's "Sailboat Refinishing" in the mail also.

Yea this is definently the scariest thing I have embarked on. So many terms. So many things to learn! Its definently intimidating to say the least.

I was hoping to be sailing in a month or so, but now, I just dont know if that will happen. I will probably have to get a little help with the rigging. I also dont have a trailer and would love to try and pull off replacing the rigging and maybe pulling down the mast in the marina, but I dont think thats possible. Im going to secure a good extension ladder and try and go up. Is it safe to go all the way up with a ladder???

The outboard and all that is fine, i have a 99 yamaha 8hp with around 20hrs on it. The boat overall is in decent shape. I plan on hauling her out in the spring and doing a bottom job and topside paint maybe. There is a spot about 1.5ft in diameter that was rubbed right down to the fiberglass from the pier during hurricane rita. the fiberglass is a little pitted but its not damaged much. As a surfer, Im pretty decent with epoxies and fiberglass. I think she will be ok until spring, heck, I might do it in the winter. Its Texas, it doesnt get THAT cold! I know paints and epoxies need certain tempts to set correctly, but in december, we are still hanging around 50F.

This weekend comes to cleaning the inside and starting to revarnnish the exterior wood. Should be a blast!!!!!! Any tips on shining up the interior wood without a total refinish? I dont really think it needs it, just needs a serious cleaning job done. Been sitting wayyyy too long!

Thanks again for all the great replies on the rigging. Yea, it was an open ended question. We can thank my inexperiece for that. Thanks for your patience everyone!

Edited by - on

Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

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Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts

Response Posted - 09/05/2007 : 14:31:31

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by dmpilc
 Are you guys saying that a high strength 1/4" line will work as all rope halyards and will fit the existing wire halyard sheaves? What brand do you use?
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
yep T-900 will do fine
[url="http://mauriprosailing.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=NEW27506&Category_Code=NEWT900"]Mauri Pro Sailing[/url]

As an aside; I am very concerned about Layline. There is bad mojo over there lately. If you go to their website you will see it is essentially non functioning, (it is different now), the products now include strange brands and many old products are gone. There are many possible reasons and few of them are good. I called to ask what was up and got a very nervous response that denied any problems and wanted off the phone. I have bought a lot from them and directed people there for several years but I am not comfortable doing that at this time. This is purely my gut feeling as a repeat customer of theirs. I hope everything is ok but I am not going to use them until I am sure. I am writing this comment as a fellow sailor and not as the Commodore of the Association.

Edited by - on

dmpilc
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4593 Posts

Response Posted - 09/05/2007 : 15:05:51

Thanks, Frank. I'll look at the T-900 line.
David, i would start with a solution of Murphy's Oil Soap for the initial cleaning of the interior wood. Make sure you have wiped it down well afterward and let it dry thoroughly. There are several topical applications from which to choose; I just used teak oil (light golden color) applied with a clean cloth, on the drawer fronts, cooler top, and trim. I think my wife used Old English Furniture Polish on the bulkhead and other laminated surfaces.

Edited by - on

Justin
Admiral

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502 Posts

Response Posted - 09/05/2007 : 15:46:53

Welcome to the forum! You will find so much information and help here. You're getting into sailing somewhat like I did myself. It was something I dreamed of doing, barely sailed before I bought my C-25, but I decided to just jump right in and do it! Yeah, I agree and wouldn't exactly recommend people start that way, but it worked out for me!

About the interior wood work, I'd highly recommend you check out Howard's Restore-A-Finish. This stuff is so easy to use, just wipe it on and it brings back the finish. Here is a before and after photo:

You can see more photos and work on my sailblog. Here is a link to when I worked on the interior:
http://www.sailblogs.com/member/justinc25/?xjMsgID=9389

I'm sure you will learn a lot in the coming months. If you have the time, definitely read the old posts on here; there is so much useful information. There may be some hard work ahead, but it is rewarding and you'll have some great times sailing.

Edited by - on

Admin
Forum Admin

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Response Posted - 09/05/2007 : 16:04:25

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Frank Hopper
 <blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by dmpilc
 Are you guys saying that a high strength 1/4" line will work as all rope halyards and will fit the existing wire halyard sheaves? What brand do you use?
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
yep T-900 will do fine
[url="http://mauriprosailing.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=NEW27506&Category_Code=NEWT900"]Mauri Pro Sailing[/url]

As an aside; I am very concerned about Layline. There is bad mojo over there lately. If you go to their website you will see it is essentially non functioning, (it is different now), the products now include strange brands and many old products are gone. There are many possible reasons and few of them are good. I called to ask what was up and got a very nervous response that denied any problems and wanted off the phone. I have bought a lot from them and directed people there for several years but I am not comfortable doing that at this time. This is purely my gut feeling as a repeat customer of theirs. I hope everything is ok but I am not going to use them until I am sure. I am writing this comment as a fellow sailor and not as the Commodore of the Association.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

can you elaborate on the "off brands" I just went to the site and didn't find anything crazy - they did drop a lot of the mfg names from the products and are going with just the brand names

Edited by - on

Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 09/05/2007 : 16:12:45

David: On the subject of "old posts" and other information, try the Search function (upper right)--type some key words, select the C-25 Forum, and choose either the Entire Message or Archived Posts options. (Selecting both often causes a timeout error for me.) Some questions (non-model-specific) will also be covered in the General Forum. And keep in mind the boat will sail fine with dull interior wood.

Now, what's your strategy for learning to sail her? (I recommend a mentor--most sailors are happy to do it.) One more thing--do you have at least liability coverage in the form of a boat policy?

Edited by - on

2far2drive
1st Mate

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USA
74 Posts

Response Posted - 09/11/2007 : 21:20:05

Ok, well The cleaning of the boat this weekend went fairly well, but I can say that was one heck of a job! 95F heat with no fans in the boat in direct sunlight equals quite a few breaks to keep from passing out!!!

Well, Im still working on my rigging but I did find out a few things. My halyards are all rope, no cable anywhere. On cable I have are the stays.

I looked through the Catalina manuals on this site, but I cannot determine if I have a tall rig or standard.

One other thing, and forgive me for not knowing the proper terms... Well I was looking at the little cable that holds my boom to the backstay when not sailing. Its broken off but I can easily fix it. However, I noticed some other sailboats in the marina have a length of rope (name?) coming from the sheeves in the mast to the boom as well, and Im guessing they leave this attached even under sail?? I also checked another C 25 and they have one as well. Is my boat supposed to have this? If so, it is definently NOT there. My uncle (who doesnt know much about sailing, just kinda taught himself) swears up and down that he just sails it with the sail supporting the weight of the boom. In my inexperience, I dont know if this is correct or not. Can someone advise here?? Ahhhhhhh... This is hard but so much fun! Thanks again for the help

Edited by - on

John Russell
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3444 Posts

Response Posted - 09/11/2007 : 22:01:22

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by 2far2drive
 
I looked through the Catalina manuals on this site, but I cannot determine if I have a tall rig or standard.

One other thing, and forgive me for not knowing the proper terms... Well I was looking at the little cable that holds my boom to the backstay when not sailing. Its broken off but I can easily fix it. However, I noticed some other sailboats in the marina have a length of rope (name?) coming from the sheeves in the mast to the boom as well, and Im guessing they leave this attached even under sail?? I also checked another C 25 and they have one as well. Is my boat supposed to have this? If so, it is definently NOT there. My uncle (who doesnt know much about sailing, just kinda taught himself) swears up and down that he just sails it with the sail supporting the weight of the boom. In my inexperience, I dont know if this is correct or not. Can someone advise here?? Ahhhhhhh... This is hard but so much fun! Thanks again for the help
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Measure the mast. The standard rig is 28'.

Your describing the "pigtail" which connects the boom to the backstay while in port. Not to be used under way. If it's broken, leave it that way. The preferred alternative would be the topping lift you described as a line running from the masthead to the end of the boom. Also used at the dock and loosed underway. The sail supports the weight of the boom while sailing. Using the topping lift while sailing may have its place but usually isn't used while nder way..

If you're looking for a good escape from the heat, take a ride to the local air conditioned bookstore and browse the bookshelves for a basic sailing book. It'll be a great way to extend your day when you just don't want to leave the boat and it will teach you a lot. I have "The Complete Sailor" by David Seidman and "Sailing Fundamentals" by Gary Jobson on my bedside stand. Less than $40 for both.

Edited by - on

2far2drive
1st Mate

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USA
74 Posts

Response Posted - 09/11/2007 : 22:52:32

Measure the mast. The standard rig is 28'.

Your describing the "pigtail" which connects the boom to the backstay while in port. Not to be used under way. If it's broken, leave it that way. The preferred alternative would be the topping lift you described as a line running from the masthead to the end of the boom. Also used at the dock and loosed underway. The sail supports the weight of the boom while sailing. Using the topping lift while sailing may have its place but usually isn't used while nder way..

If you're looking for a good escape from the heat, take a ride to the local air conditioned bookstore and browse the bookshelves for a basic sailing book. It'll be a great way to extend your day when you just don't want to leave the boat and it will teach you a lot. I have "The Complete Sailor" by David Seidman and "Sailing Fundamentals" by Gary Jobson on my bedside stand. Less than $40 for both.
[/quote]

Seriously call me stupid, but Im assuming the mast has to be down? Im getting ready to pull it down anyways to rerig the running rigging so I guess that would be the easiest way.

Thanks, so topping lift. Just attach to top of main and use it in place of the pigtail? I already like the sound of that system a lot better than the pigtail.

I have a basic sailing book, forgot the name. K.I.S.S. something, but I have found the information to be a little.... too basic if that makes sense. Howto sail books, like this one, are great to me in theory and Im learning all of the terms, but I need to get out on the water and see it first hand at this point. I would like a book now that will teach me the use of "all those other lines" that my boat seems to be lacking in places, a more 'in-depth' book if you will. I want to learn all those other terms and stuff. Any recommendations on good books?

Edited by - on

Dave Bristle
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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 09/11/2007 : 23:38:25

Yup, the pigtail is a panic attack waiting to happen (when you forget to release it before the wind fills the sail). The topping lift can simply go from one of the pins on the mast-head to a little swivel block on the end of the boom, and then to a cleat on the side of the boom--allowing it to be adjusted. I found a length that barely went slack with the sail up and the mainsheet tight, but held the boom at a nice height as soon as the halyard was released. Later, I made a fancier system to make it simpler to raise the boom further when at anchor or for folding the bimini, but that's optional.

Edited by - on

dmpilc
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4593 Posts

Response Posted - 09/11/2007 : 23:54:31

There are 2 approaches to adding a topping lift, actually 3 but the 3rd is a bit more involved:
1. Secure a small line, say 1/8" or 3/16", to the masthead on the aft pin beside the backstay and bring it down to the end of the boom. You can tie it off there with an adjustable knot or continue the line forward on the boom to a cleat about mid boom. Bring it to mid-boom if you want to easily adjust it while under sail.
2. Secure the line to the end of the boom and take it up to a block at the top of the mast and down the mast to a cleat about chest high. (IMHO, not as good as method 1.)
3. A variation on #1 above. Extend a small diameter wire stay (can also use 3/16" rope) from the masthead backstay pin down to about 3 feet from the end of the boom and attach a small block to it. Tie off a small line to an eye on one side atthe end of the boom, take it up to the small block on the topping lift stay and bring it back down to a cheek block on the other side of the boom and forward to the mid-boom cleat. This makes the moving (and more frequently replaceable) part of the topping lift shorter and still brings it mid-boom for adjustments.
About the only time you would adjust it under sail is going downwind to put more "bag" inthe main.

Edited by - on

britinusa
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Response Posted - 09/12/2007 : 06:49:16

David, you can measure the height of the mast (within a couple of inches) by using one of the halyards. Tie a messenger line to the end of the halyard, haul in the halyard so it pulls the messenger to the mast head, and mark the messenger (tie a knot!) at the base of the mast. Use the messenger to pull the halyard back down, secure it as normal, then meassure the messenger.

Paul

Edited by - on

dmpilc
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4593 Posts

Response Posted - 09/12/2007 : 14:23:11

I found a neat little cleat which works very well as a mid-boom cleat for the topping lift on my C-22. Should work on a C-25 also. I don't know what they are called, so here's a brief description: designed for lines up to 1/4", one half of the cleat lets the line run freely, the other half looks like half of a clam cleat with movement vertical. They come in either port or starboard configuration with one colored green and the other red. It mounts on the side of the boom with the run free side down and the cleat side up. To secure the topping lift, all you have to do is lift upward slightly as you pull on the line. To release, just pull downward.

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