attaching topping lift

[Carol]

I'm considering adding a topping lift to my '80 CP16 I.  It's apparent where to connect it on the boom end, but less so on the masthead.  I have what I assume is a standard arrangement...two sheeves with small hole between them.  Any suggestions?

btw, I'll be posting pics soon as "chickadee" just got back from the boat spa...some gelcoat work, new bottom paint, and compounding.  I've also added the genoa tracks, new mast-mounted halyard blocks/cam cleats, a rolling bail for the mainsheet...well, I went a little nuts.  Splash day is this Wed.

Anybody else sail in NH?
Carol.

[DOUG142]

Carol,
We have a 83 CP16 and I added a topping lift to it last year.  I just ran a 1/8 th inch line from the little hole at the top of the mast to the end of the boom.  With a snap catch/release at the boom end.  When not used I just fasten it to one of the mast cleats.

Doug

[roland cobine]

 doug i have the same arrangement on my 16 . its simple and it works. when not in use i just attach it to a shroud and it never gets in the way.

[rchiare1]

I sail in the Adirondals, mostly Lake George, NY but I plan to trailer sail around New England, a bit this Summer.
Where in New Hampishire do you sail?  I always thought Lake Winnipesaukee, would be intereting to sail but I don't know much about it. Where to launch, and where to stay, if not campling out aboard the boat.

[kchunk]

If you wanted a topping lift that you could adjust and don't have an empty masthead sheave, you could always secure a block to the masthead or a cheek block near the top of the mast. Run a line from the deck to the new block near the top of the mast and then down to the end of the boom. Adjust the boom height at the mast and cleat the line. Having an adjustable topping lift also makes for a nice, roomy boom tent!

After raising the main sail, ease the topping lift at the mast and just leave the line connected at the end of the boom.

--Greg

[Carol]

I sail on a small lake near Manchester NH...Lake Massabesic.  There are two other Com-Pac 16s here but I don't know their owners as yet.  This is a day-sailing lake and there is no swimming or jet skis...lots of loons and other wildlife because of that.  Many kayakers and fishing boats.  I keep the boat on a mooring there at our "yacht club."  There are two good public launches as well.

Wini is the big lake...it's crazy on the weekends.  I used to keep an O'Day 222 up there but it was so crowded on the weekends that it was no fun at all.  Lots of powerboats, floating condos, and jet skis.  Great sailing out on the "broads" but more an more competition for space.  Weekdays is another story and the place is nearly deserted.

Another option is Squam lake.  I've not sailed there as yet.

[Carol]

I have a boomkicker but am thinking along the lines of more strength for a boom tent...was also thinking about having the adjustments on the boom end rather than the mast.  Lots of good ideas here...thanks!  I'll let you know how it turns out.

[solarfry]

A small cheek block ($9.00) attached to topmost edge of mast, a small cleat at bottom of mast and a 1/8 line from cleat to end of boom will provide a topping lift and roach sail adjustment so you can add draft while sailing in winds under 6mph

[Carol]

after a quick google, I found this simple but interesting design:

http://www.frankhagan.com/weekender/toplift.htm

I'm going to try it out, since I already have everything I need, and I like not putting another hole in the boom. 

[mrb]

Carol

One more for a line ran through the hole at top of mast then down to fitting at end of boom. A small snap to hook to fitting. My boat has two flat bars(can it be flat and a bar) one for the main sheet block and other for topping lift. They swivel which allows the boom to twist. I have mine just long enough so that when main is up the topping lift is loose so as to let sail set right.  I also leave it attache all the time because I sometimes forget to reattach (used to take it off with sail hoisted) and in rough times don't want a boom dropping into cockpit when reffing or dropping sail. Other thing keep it simple when sailing alone or with non-sailors.
Good luck and let us know how you go.
Melvin

[Paul]

Carol and all:

I like a topping lift attached at the top of the mast in the hole between the sheaves with a stopper knot.  Lead the line down to the end of the boom as others have described with a snap hook.  The key to making it adjustable is the Rolling Hitch (taut line hitch) used on the hook.  This hitch can be adjusted up and down the standing part of the line at will, but will not move on it's own.  Very convenient and economical with no extra holes. 

A cool link to knot tying instructions is LINK

Hope this helps.

[GlennB724]

I used to have a 1/8 in line tied through the hole at top of mast down to end of boom.  This year I swapped it out for a 1/16 wire cable with a loop crimped at the lower end to attach to end of boom with a small shackle.  I added a "pig tail" crimped onto the topping lift about a foot and a half up from the bottom with a loop in it as well, which provides a higher setting, (when not under sail).  I like the greater strength of the wire as opposed to the line which had a lot of stretch... especially when lumbering around the cockpit at the dock.   

[Paul]

Well, that may depend on the line.  I think mine is simple braided cord one would find in the camp supply store.  I know, I know.  Not very nautical, but sure is practical. 

It has no detectable stretch.  I simply pull the knot up the line to the height I'd like the boom.  Then, pull the mainsheet snug and lash the tiller out of the way.