Topping lift

[1-Tntimbo]

Has anyone added a topping lift to their 26X? It looks like it should be pretty simple, especially if the boat was on the trailer with mast in crutch.

i was wondering how & where to attach it to upper mast, approximate length?

This looks to be the simplest, and actually the best way to get the boom up off my Bimini when motoring. It should also make it easier to raise the main with the wind blowing. (boom free to pivot downwind)
T

[sirlandsalot]

I was just looking at a cheap lazy jack kit on Amazon, it says if you use it you don't need a topping lift.....just a thought if you don't have lazy jacks...

Nautos 001 - LAZY JACK TYPE A - SMALL SIZE - for sailboats up to 31'- kit

[Russ]

Sir, if you buy that lazy jack system, let me know how it works for you. I spied it also and have it in my wishlist.

As far as topping lift. Super easy. Some folks have made it fancy, but I like the KISS method.
Use 2 eye straps and 2 clips and a length of (1/4"?) line about 30'. Put one eye on top of the mast below where the backstay attaches and one on the end of the boom. Tie the two clips as in the photo below. Lower for sailing and one up higher to get the boom away from heads. I leave the bottom clip on all the time and clip the upper one when I want the boom out of the way.

When you drop the main, the boom doesn't fall on your deck (or heads).

[Wind Chime]

Consider installing a Boomkicker instead of a Topping Lift.
Achieves the same results you are looking for, plus a few extras.

We are very happy with ours.
More info at this site, http://macgregorsailors.com/catalog/pag ... /index.php

[1-Tntimbo]

No doubt the boomkicker could be a very effective way to do this, but making up a topping lift is very cost effective....$200+shipping & handling vs about $20 at your local Lowes or Home Depot.

Being retired, and pinching penny's, think I will make my own topping lift. If the Eagle drops an egg in my basket I might upgrade later.
T

[kurz]

Blue Water yachts told me not to buy/use the boomkicker with the
Well I forgot the reason, but saved the money. Made a topping lift for free with things staying around. put a block where the spraders are.
Works perfect!

[Wind Chime]

Blue Water yachts told me not to buy/use the boomkicker with the Well I forgot the reason, but saved the money.

I cannot imagine any reason why Todd or Cheryl at Blue Water Yachts would advise NOT to use a Boomkicker on a Macgregor. The only possible thing I could think of is some reason to do with the rotating mast on an .

When sailing in fickle light winds, a Boomkicker can add sail shape draft because the weight of the boom is not flattening the sail or tugging on the leech. Downwind, you still need a vang to stop the boom rising and twisting off the top.

[Tomfoolery]

I use the topping lift on mine to keep me from falling off the boat. Sometimes, when I lose my footing or the boat makes an unexpected move, I find myself laying over the boom. This usually happens when I'm stripping the sail cover or put it back on. Since the TL is plenty strong enough even for my 220lb (I'm working on that ), the boom is a reliable safety grab, even if the main sheet has slack.

I don't know what would happen with a boomkicker if I suddenly found myself laying over the boom. If it collapsed enough, I might be banging my father in-law's head with the boom, and flopping right over it and into the drink.

Not a major point, but if you do run a conventional TL, make sure it's strong enough for accidental load applications.

[1-Tntimbo]

Another vote for the topping lift, and another good reason to have it.

[DaveC426913]

My TL runs from the masthead.

It comes down to about a foot above the bimini, and there I have a block. A line lashed to the boom end goes up to the block, then back down through a clamcleat, again on the boom end.

This allows me to stand at the helm and operate the topping lift with only one hand. The block means that, in order to raise the boom, I am pulling down on the line, and to lower the boom, I simply let it off the cleat. IME, raising the boom by simply tugging on a line is a serious win over manually lifting the boom with one hand while operating the TL with the other hand.

[Newell]

My TL runs from the masthead.

It comes down to about a foot above the bimini, and there I have a block. A line lashed to the boom end goes up to the block, then back down through a clamcleat, again on the boom end.

This allows me to stand at the helm and operate the topping lift with only one hand. The block means that, in order to raise the boom, I am pulling down on the line, and to lower the boom, I simply let it off the cleat. IME, raising the boom by simply tugging on a line is a serious win over manually lifting the boom with one hand while operating the TL with the other hand.

Looks and works great. It would complicate my boom removal/stowage/install procedure. My TL runs through mast and also serves as spinnaker halyard, used when main is in raised position.

[Tomfoolery]

My TL runs from the masthead.

It comes down to about a foot above the bimini, and there I have a block. A line lashed to the boom end goes up to the block, then back down through a clamcleat, again on the boom end.

This allows me to stand at the helm and operate the topping lift with only one hand. The block means that, in order to raise the boom, I am pulling down on the line, and to lower the boom, I simply let it off the cleat. IME, raising the boom by simply tugging on a line is a serious win over manually lifting the boom with one hand while operating the TL with the other hand.

Looks and works great. It would complicate my boom removal/stowage/install procedure. My TL runs through mast and also serves as spinnaker halyard, used when main is in raised position.

I used to use something very similar, but I used a boat snap to clip the TL to the block, so it came apart with no effort, and the block and short line stayed with the boom. No reason you couldn't do something similar with a headboard shackle or whatever you're using for the spinnaker. Just sayin'.

[dlandersson]

Well, I'm obviously low-tech. Mine is simply a line (900 lbs.) from the top to the bottom end of the boom.

[Tomfoolery]

Well, I'm obviously low-tech. Mine is simply a line (900 lbs.) from the top to the bottom end of the boom.

That's what I use now, though it does turn over a block at the top of the mast and cleat on the mast near the boom. I lift the boom and wrap the TL around it a couple of times to raise it.

The PO put it there. I would probably just have put an eye strap up top with a big ol' stopper knot. I never adjust it at the mast once I get it right in the spring.

[Sumner]

If you spend a lot of time on anchor you might want to keep it adjustable with a block at the top and a cleat down on the mast.

On anchor ...



... the boom is pulled up out of the way and over to the side with combination of the topping lift and the main sheet.

That keeps it in one position so it isn't swinging all around and....



... out of the way of the anchor sail also if it is being used. I'll be using it for this purpose if I'm running on the trolling motor and want the solar panels that are powering it to get full sunlight.

more here.....

http://purplesagetradingpost.com/sumner ... ing-3.html

Sumner

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