Problem getting lost topping lift through mast

[joliette]

My topping lift is currently rigged through a block at the masthead, whereas it should pass through the sheave that is fitted at the masthead and down through the mast. I am planning to fix this by using the main halyard to pull a messenger down through the mast (having passed the messenger over the topping lift sheave out through the main hayard sheave and secured it to the main halyard). Once the messenger is out through the main halyard exit slot at the base of the mast I can use this to pull a new topping lift through the mast and out through the correct sheave at the masthead. However, the exit slot for the topping lift is on the opposite side of the base of the mast, so I guess I'll need to fiddle about with some wire to try and hook the new topping lift through. Does anyone have any experience of dealing with this problem? Any tips would be much appreciated. Thanks.

 

[bigwow]

Use a piece of the plastic ties that are used on pallets and the like, works a treat. Put a loop into the mast before putting the toping lift down the mast, topping lift goes into the loop and exits with it when you pull it out.

 

[Norman_E]

Is your plan simply an attempt to avoid having to climb to the masthead? If so, it might work, but there is a risk that the new topping lift might not settle into the correct sheave at the top. If your masthead has its sheaves between separators it definitely will not work.
I had no difficulty at all in fishing a messenger cord out through a mast slot. All you need for that is a short piece of wire with a hooked end, and a torch to help you peer into the slot. Best method is to forget about tying the messenger to the main halyard and simply thread a few nuts small enough to pass through the sheave at the top and go up the mast. Have somebody at the mast foot to fish it out, and make them tie it on somewhere. I had to climb twice because my helper was so pleased that he had fished it out that he did not tie it. In coming down I pulled it out again!
To avoid having to climb up twice, have the new topping lift attached to the messenger before you climb, then whilst you are up there get your helper to pull the messenger through. That way you can feed the end of the topping lift over the sheave and make sure it does not get stuck. It is a good plan to sew the messenger to the halyard, rather than tie it, because if you tie it the result might be too bulky to pass the sheave, or come out of the slot at the bottom.

 

[Tiramisu]

Just had to re-reave whole clutch of mast head lines/halyards etc including the topping lift. Utilised young son as he's easier to haul up the mast than SHMBO and does what he's told when up there (I never said that !). Trick is to tie a bicycle chain to the line/halyard you want to pass down the mast as it threads easily over the block etc and can be "fished" out at the bottom slot using a magnet.

 

[impact30]

A bicycle chain sewn to the halyard works well, just drop it in over the sheave and chain brings it down beautifully. Pallet strap or large cable tie pre-loaded into the mast through the exit for the halyard and arranged so as to take up the maximim area inside the mast will catch the halyard as it comes down and simply pull through. This does not work if the messenger is secured to an existing halyard.

 

[impact30]

I hate it when that happens.

 

[lw395]

If you're just lowering a mouse down, it may be worth making sure the boat is leaning slightly so that the mouse slides down the side of the mast without twisting around any other halyards. A collection of m5 nuts threaded onto the line makes a good mouse weight for those who can't be bothered to degrease a bike chain.
A small torch like an LED keyring is very useful for finding the mouse at the slot.
The packing tape sounds a good tool for trapping the mouse, I just use a wire hook though.

 

[NickiCrutchfield]

Keep the topping lift on its external block. It is then possible to use it round the front (assuming it swivels) as an emergency jib halyard. Reeve a line through the extra sheave as a spare main halyard.
Nicki