How much of a difference does a topping lift make?

[DangerousPirate]

I got a new boat, this boat doesnt have a topping lift and just attaches to the backstay with a rope to hold the boom up when there is no sail. So I wonder if that makes any significant difference when sailing? I heard some people adjust their sails with the topping lift and "air out" the sails sometimes. Whatever that means.

I mainly think about reefing that it would make a difference there potentially?

Are there any techniques Im missing out on or is it fine like it is and it doesnt make a difference really?

 

[DownWest]

Sounds like a pain to have to attach a rope to the b/stay. Normally, if working at the mast, easy to lift the boom a bit with the topping lift, ditto if lead aft. Never used the t/l to air the sails, but very useful when reefing to support the boom, but not if on the b/stay . Only use there is at anchor.

 

[BabaYaga]

Are there any techniques Im missing out on or is it fine like it is and it doesnt make a difference really?

In light and moderate winds I often hoist the mainsail (at the mast) before pulling the anchor up. With a very loose main sheet this is fine, but if the boom end was attached to the backstay, I imagine the sail could easily start to fill during hoisting, making it harder work.

Edit: Also, as mentioned above, topping lift holds the boom end up during reefing.

 

[Lightwave395]

Never had a topping lift on any of my boats, seems to be another unnecessary piece of string

 

[NotBirdseye]

If you're not racing, don't worry about it. The topping lift can make some difference but most people can get away without it. Adjustment of the topping lift or angle of the boom can change the shape of the sail to something slightly more efficient for the conditions.

 

[BabaYaga]

Never had a topping lift on any of my boats, seems to be another unnecessary piece of string

If you're not racing, don't worry about it. The topping lift can make some difference but most people can get away without it.

Since the OP uses a piece of string to the backstay to hold the boom up when the sail is not hoisted, I assumed there is no rigid vang/rod kicker?

 

[ProDave]

One of the main "uses" of the topping lift for me is you can heave to and drop the main without the boom dropping onto the coachroof. Quite often my preferred way to drop the sails at the end of a trip.

 

[lustyd]

They make a cracking spare halyard. Why wouldn't you want that?

 

[Clancy Moped]

Also makes for a nice safety second when going up the mast.

 

[Lightwave395]

Since the OP uses a piece of string to the backstay to hold the boom up when the sail is not hoisted, I assumed there is no rigid vang/rod kicker?

Aah, gotcha, never realised some boats don't have solid kickers...

 

[Alfie168]

Topping lift can also help you get the head of the sail up to its marks...if you have such things and help tension the luff rope without competition from the leech tension...which comes next. I find the TL useful, but its not used that often, mainly on reefing as mentioned, and when moored. I imagine that a boom strut arrangement would do the job of a topping lift, not that i've ever used one as its a bit posh at my level of yotting. If the sail has a large roach then a topping lift can be untenable as it just gets in the way.

 

[lustyd]

Haha most times I'm up the mast it's to retrieve the main halyard It's a good point though, nice to have them both on the same side of the mast

 

[Yellow Ballad]

Nice for raising the main without it powering up, especially singlehanded and at anchor.

 

[jwilson]

The topping lift's prime function is to take the strain off the leech of the sail whilst hoisting, lowering and reefing.

If you hoist a normal bermudan sail without supporting the boom end you are stretching the leech and damaging the sail shape a tiny bit every single time you do it. The same reason you should never pull a sail down by the leech, only the luff. If you don't care about sail efficiency or sail life by all means abuse the leech.

Topping lift also useful at anchor/moored to lift the boom. Very very few occasions when you can actually improve sail set by using the topping lift: perhaps sometimes in very very light airs.

 

[Bodach na mara]

I can't imagine sailing anything bigger than a dinghy without a topping lift. How do you stop the boom clattering down when you release the main halyard? I suppose a rigid strut where the kicker attaches may help but having experienced one of these failing I wouldn't trust it.

I do use a "skyhook" on the backstay to support the boom when the main is down and then slacken off the topper. Sometimes I forget to top up and release the skyhook which is a pain.

 

[TernVI]

I think I'd want either a topping lift or a strut kicker on any boat over about 20ft.
I can't see much gain in having both.

 

[capnsensible]

My own preference is to have a topping lift and a rope kicker. I enjoy sailing slow in interesting places and anchorages. Scandalising the main by lifting the boom right up on the lift is a very useful thing.

Like the op tho, I used to sail smaller boats like Hurly 22, etc and no topping lift was no problem.

 

[steve yates]

If its a wee boat, or even a larger one, I wouldnt be without topping lift to lift the boom above my head so I cant crack my skull on it once anchored.

 

[Buck Turgidson]

I can't imagine being without it! No solid kicker on my boat. So I use it for all mainsail changes.

 

[Slowboat35]

I'd have thought on anything much bigger than a dinghy either a topping lift or a rigid kicker was essential.
Personally I'd hate to be unable to scandalise my main if needs be, plus having it as a spare halyard and mast-climbing safety line.