Can someone explain why my topping lift is designed the way it is.

[mocruising]

A line goes from the neck of the boom (Close to the mast) down the inside of the boom round a pulley at the end of the boom and then up about three meters round a block and back down to the end of the boom where it is fastened. A second line attached to a cleat at the base of the mast rises up the mast internally round a pulley at the top of the mast and back down to the block from the other line. Why so complicated. A single line up the mast (internally) round the sheave at the top of the mast then down and shackled to the end of the boom would be just as good surely. I am replacing all my running rigging.

 

[Eyore]

Why so complicated. A single line up the mast (internally) round the sheave at the top of the mast then down and shackled to the end of the boom would be just as good surely.

That the good old fashioned way of doing it and yes its absolutely fine.

 

[yoda]

It's all about purchase. From what you say you have a 2:1 purchase which probably avoids the need for a winch. That said I have what you propose on a 34 ft boat and it's fine for me. Stick tote KiSS principle and you can't go too far wrong.

Yoda

 

[VicS]

As above. hauling the first of those two lines will give you a 2:1 advantage. Hauling the second just a straight 1:1 ratio.

Why would you need a 2:1 purchase ?????? Very heavy boom ??

 

[Blueboatman]

If you fit a spring or gas vang, then the topping lift becomes a spare main halliard and no longer interferes with the roach or airflow.. Just sayin' like..

 

[Iliade]

You didn't mention that your ship has a 50' solid wooden widowmaker boom, in which case I would suggest the current arrangement to be great for fine tuning, but otherwise overkill.

 

[Javelin]

One other possibility is for the 2:1 feed to then run down the mast to a turn block and back to the cockpit.
Therefore allowing you to alter the topping lift from either the mast or the cockpit which at times can be useful.

 

[neil1967]

I had a similar arrangement on my Oyster 406, except that the line (wire) from the top of the mast was fixed at the top, and there was a 2:1 purchase inside the boom as well. I removed the whole lot this winter and now just have a 'normal' topping lift - not been for a sail yet, so I can't vouch for it, but the 12mm topping lift hasn't snapped yet!

Neil

 

[Daydream believer]

I had a short block & tackle (3:1) on the end of my Stella boom with a simple cam cleat . It was great for adjusting the length without having to go forward as I could adjust it just as it hit me on the head

 

[PetiteFleur]

If you fit a spring or gas vang, then the topping lift becomes a spare main halliard and no longer interferes with the roach or airflow.. Just sayin' like..

That is what I have except that I use a Barton Boom Strut, nothing to go wrong or need replacing, cheaper and very simple and effective - the KISS principle........ I just have the old topping lift tied to the backstay as a spare main halliard if required.