Topping lift

[beames]

Hello,
I have an 82' 16 and would like to add a topping lift for the boom. There is a hole in the center of the mast head between and below the two sheaves. Is this the correct attaching point for the lift line?

Thanks,
Brooke

[B.Hart]

Hi brook, that is the hole for the topping lift. I have a small pulley and cleat on the end of the boom, and can set the boom at any height. HAPPY SAILING      BILL

[Craig Weis]

Next time the mast is down find a spot for a hole to pin-in or drill a hole for a small dia pulley and a light line [1/4 inch] having a pull-to-release clip at it's end to go through at hole and eye at the boom's end.

Be sure that any intrusion into the mast at it's head does not foul any halyard with pin or fastener.

Drill and screw in with self tapping stainless steel screws and 3-M 5200 slow set a cleat at the base of the mast to cleat down the line when sailing. The extra line [top-O-mast to cleat at base of mast is likely shorter then top-O-mast to end of boom, so you'll have extra line to be able to reach the boom] can just be wrapped around cleat.

Don't forget to unsnap this line after the main sail is set. Sometimes I forget when the wind is very heavy and wonder why the boat is sailing funky?

And the pull to release clip is a must 'cause you will not be able to heft up the boom to slack the line to get that fastener to release unless it's a pull-to-release assembly. It's costly but the best way.

Oh...and last this set-up will only allow the boom to be 'bridled' or placed at one height, chosen by where you tie the quick release clip. Keep it simple. skip

[Paul]

Hey guys.  Just my two cents.  Found a link from a while back regarding this topic in the search function:

LINK

Hope this helps.

[B.Hart]

   I have also done the forgotten to release the topping lift.  The rigging was humming and you could feel something was wrong.  BILL

[Rick Klages]

I normally just slack the lift and let it lay on the starboard side of the mainsail.  It does very very little to detract from the sails shape.

ick

[Paul]

Agreed.  Using the taut-line hitch tied at the appropriate length from the snap hook, I can easily slack the topping lift to the point where it will not interfere with sail shape.  I let it go where it will, because it can't go far.

So, why the snap hook, you might wonder?  To ease the dismantling of the rig when it's time to trailer again.