Quick soft eye - strong enough?

[mick]

I have some 10 mm braid-on-braid to use as a topping lift. I know you're supposed to splice but is there any reason why I can't just bend the last few inches back to make an eye and whip this bit on to the rope. I used to do this years ago when I sailed a Wayfarer dinghy. After all, a topping lift isn't subject to large forces.

 

[johnalison]

It might work if you make a good job of it, but I use a topping-lift as a spare emergency halyard, and as a double when going up the mast, so, for me, no.

 

[sarabande]

a plain whipping might, just might, slip under heavy load. If you sew through the whipping from both sides, it will make it more secure.

A round turn and two half hitches, finished off with a whipping would look nicer.....

 

[simonfraser]

if you're not gona splice it, i'd def put a quick knot in it.
the hassle and possible head ache if it all falls apart is just not worth it.

 

[Poignard]

Or how about a Halyard Knot?

 

[jeremyshaw]

I just tie mine on with a bowline. Perfectly happy with that. I put an extra turn round to spread the load - never caused any issues. I guess it's not as neat as a splice, but it's easier to end-to-end etc.

 

[mick]

Thanks, everyone.

 

[Searush]

10mm? that's a lot of unecessary windage innit? I think mine is 4 or 5mm. As you say, it only supports the boom & mine only does it temporarily as I furl the sail. Once furled, the boom is held by a wire strop off the mizzen.

A simple rope lay would be cheaper & allows a "quick splice" where the whole rope is tucked thro itself a few times to make a strong & reliable loop that is just not as tidy (and perhaps slightly weaker)

 

[Poignard]

[ QUOTE ]
10mm? that's a lot of unecessary windage innit?

[/ QUOTE ]

That's a good point but I must say was very glad to have a hefty topping lift when I got aground on an uncharted [ /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif !] mudbank a couple of years ago and had to heel the boat with me out on the boom. Also it would do for a replacement if the main halyard broke or got lost.

 

[Amulet]

Stitch and whip is OK but not just whip. Sew the eye with a tough bit of terylene thread. (You need a sailmakers needle, a palm to push it through and a pair pliers to pull the needle out.) Then whip over the stitching. I'm assuming it's multiplait not three strand - three strand can be spliced in a minute or 2 as any fule kno.