Main Halyard Question Revised

[Michaeldi23]

So I have Discovered that on my 1978 Com-pac 16 the main halyard is connected to the boom and supports it when the mainsail is not in use. Then it is disconnected and used to raise the mainsail, then I guess the sail supports the boom. I have seen pics of other 16's that are not rigged that way and have a separate line that goes from the mast to the end of the boom and a halyard for the main. What do I need to do to rig another line. What are the pro's and con's if any for the way my boat is rigged at this time. Thanks

[Michaeldi23]

Finally found a name for it. I have no Topping Lift for the boom. (Sorry everbody I am a newbie) Is it common for this boat not to have one. And How about putting one on. Thanks

[BarNone]

Michael,
As the name suggests, a topping lift supports the boom when the sail is lowered. It just needs to be a light dacron line running from the top of the mast to the end of the boom with enough length to not interfer with the set of the main. Since the boom is so light on the 16 some might argue that the topping lift is unnecessary and is just another line to get in the way.
Vince in Fort Myers,FL who is currently without a sailboat but has owned two 16's   

[KPL]

Michael,

The topping lift on my 16 is nothing more than a piece of parachute cord. It is simply threaded through the hole in the masthead with a small knot on the other side to keep it from pulling out.  The boom end of the line has a small brass clip (like on a dog leash) that clips to the end of the boom.  That's about it.  You could get fancy and tie a sliding knot on the boom end to adjust the length of the line.  IMHO It's much easier and cleaner then running a line to the masthead and back down to the step.

Happy sailing....

After the warm weather, it's now 4F and we might actually get some ice on the lake tonight....

[Craig Weis]

Yes it is common NOT to have a topping lift on a 16. Also on a 19.

On my C-P19 I used a wire and two tiny U-clamps from my stern standing rigging to the tip of my boom and used a 'pull-to-release clip to go through a small bail on the boom's end.

The pull-to-release is used 'cause this type of clip will always 'un-do' no matter how much pressure [as when the sail fills with air, and I forget to 'un-do' before sailing away] is placed or loaded on the clip.
skip.

NOW the problem is that I don't think that 16's have a stern standing rigging, but instead the side standing rigging is astern of the mast, unlike on a 19. So one has to loosen the side standing rigging in order to drop the mast...is this correct?

[TroyVB]

Michael,

I like the topping lift as opposed to using the main halyard.  I have had Sanctuary rigged two ways.

1) an eighth inch cord running from a hole in the masthead which is the way most people seem to rig the topping lift.  (A simple snap on the end attached to the boom works but you need to be able to adjust so you almost need two snaps or a block at the end of the boom and an extra cleat on the boom.)

2) I have added two eyebolts at the spreader brackets and have a line running from one under the boom back up to the opposite eyeboltand down to a cleat un the mast. (You need to install a hook about halfway down the boom. This line then acts like a lazy jack also)  I stole this idea from multimedia smith.  He has got some great pictures in the mods section on this site.

You could also buy a boom kicker a fiberglass contraption that mounts under the boom.  Somebody on the site has one I think.

[multimedia_smith]

The side rigging does not have to be loosened to drop the mast.  That's one of the things that makes it so quick to rig/de-rig.  I use a Boomkicker (pic) to provide upward support to the boom when the main is down... however, if it is a bumpy ride with passengers aboard, I sometimes attach the main halyard to the boom end to prevent the springy boomkicker from allowing the boom to bounce up and down and possibly hitting someone... most of the time it is enough and I'll simply tighten the main sheet line to steady the boom.

http://www.com-pacowners.com/4images/details.php?image_id=302

http://www.com-pacowners.com/4images/details.php?image_id=480

here's one with it "bowed" under stress as it's supposed to be...
http://www.com-pacowners.com/4images/details.php?image_id=323

This link will take you to my "owner's page" section of the gallery... I don't know if you can access this through the new gallery software, but thankfully the old link still works.

http://www.com-pacowners.com/4images/categories.php?cat_id=32

There are a lot of fun projects that you can do with this boat... I think part of the "problem" (if you can call it that) is that they are sitting at home singing their siren song instead of off at a slip somewhere... it's just to tempting to get out there and "fiddle".

All the best to you and your "new" boat.

Dale