Topping lift Cunning plan ideas help please

[Davy_S]

I have slab reefing all handled at the mast, I have no problem with this and dont wish to change it. The problem is the topping lift, when its blowing and time to reef I have to raise the boom to reef everytime which means leaving the mainsheet a little slack thus thrashing about and not holding the boat head to wind correctly. so what is the answer? Boom strut, a little loop in the topping lift so I can lift the boom by hand first? some sort of jamming cleat ect Some of you out there with more sailing experience must have abetter idea. My sails are old and tired a bit like me so bthe boom has to be raised for every reef. Thanks Dave.

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[MADFISH]

How about an adjustment for it at the end of the boom (as well as the mast)? Instead of shackling it on to the boom, put a block with jamming cleat on the end and a line from the end of the boom up through the cleat?

How does that sound??

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[dickh]

Fit a spring loaded boom strut in lieu of your kicking strap or the Barton Boom Strut - works a treat.
Slacken off the kicking strap, boom lifts, tie in reefs, pull in kicking strap.
I increased my kicking strap purchase to 6:1 which makes it easy.

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I'd rather be sailing... /forums/images/icons/smile.gif

 

[Robin]

A rigid kicker would help, it removes the need for a topping lift and if a gas/spring type or the Barton bendy GRP type would lift the boom up too when the kicker is eased off at the mast. Costs money though.

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[Gordonmc]

Minor development of this is to use a strop from the end of the boom tied to a line-jammer. Another length of the line from jammer through the topping lift eye (refine with block if necessary) then back to the jammer.

To ease the lift, unjamb by pulling the bitter end up. reverse process to raise the boom. Clear as mud, eh?

If this is of any use but is causing confusion, let me know by PM and I will scan in a drawing.



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[MADFISH]

I know exactly what you mean. You will get a 2:1 purchase on it just to make things easier.

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[Juggler7823]

Try to avoid bringing the head of the boat directly into the wind.

Try this:
1. change course untill hard on the wind, but continue sailing.
2. If neccessary reduce the size of your genoa to keep your speed reasonable.
3. Let your mainsail wide out. It should just 'feather' down the wind but not above your head.

The boat is easily controlled and should now provide a stable platform for a person to go to the mast and reef as normal.

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[johnsomerhausen]

The topping lift on my 29 ft boat goes back to the transom where it is made fast to a cleat; on the way down from the masthead, it goes goes through a SS ring tied to the backstay so as not to tangle with the supporting end. Before I go to the mast to take a reef, I just trension it, but rely mostly on a 4 to 1 tackle fastened to the gooseneck and tied to the reeefin line by a rolling hitch (after I have gathered in all the length I could by hand over hand) to get the reefed sail really flat. I don't bring the boat into the wind to do that. This idea came from Hal Roth's "After 50 000 miles"
john

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[Davy_S]

After looking at all the good advise given here I am going for the cheap and simple. I shall use a combination of madfish and gordonmc ideas. I shall leave existing topping lift at the mast but put a block on the end of the topping lift hallyard and a strop on the end of the boom running thru the block to a rope jammer. I like very much the boomstrut idea but I think I need to replace my tired sails first and look at this maybe next year. Unfortunately my piggy bank is somewhat depleted as I have just lashed out for two weeks Greek flotilla sailing in August. Thank you all for your helpful comments and ideas.
Regards Dave.

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[mickshep]

I find roy ryders method works fine for me, with the main sheet well eased as well as the genoa the boat weathercocks nicely, the mainsail feathers without flogging. topping lift a doddle to tension, Good luck, Mike.

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