Topping lift woes

[Joe Myerson]

I was enjoying an absolutely wonderful, socially-distancing solo sail today when suddenly the clevis on the masthead block that holds up my topping lift gave out. I've never liked the topping lift setup on the 25D, but that didn't mean I wanted to sail without it.

After removing the errant line, I continued sailing, knowing that I would not be able to reef my mainsail if I needed to. I was able to drop the sail, along with the boom, and then hitch the shackle on my main halyard to the end of the boom. But I'm not sure if I dare hoist it again without some kind of support. And, once again, I wouldn't be able to reef underway.

So, here's my question: Should I reattach the topping lift, which will probably mean getting somebody to hoist me up the mast, or pay a yard to do it? Or, is this the time to get a Boomkicker? Do any of you folks have experience with this device?

Thanks, as always. And stay safe!

--Joe

[s2sailorlis]

The boomkicker is excellent. I had it on a non-CD boat about 6 years ago, a 27 footer with a 12-13 foot boom. Was nice not having to deal with a topping lift. Only thing to remember is when blowing the mainsheet...make sure you’ve got the vang cleated else that boomkicker will deliver its namesake..

[tjr818]

We used a Garhaur rigid vang and absolutely loved it. No more dropping the boom on the First Mate’s head. Bonus points for that install

[mgphl52]

Another option, though maybe more pricey, is a rigid vang from Garhauer.
If you want to go the cheap route for a bit, you could lash a line to the
back stay with a small shackle like the Typhoons came with...
Personally, I'm trying to convince myself to spring for the ridgid vang

[Kilgore]

Another vote for the Boomkicker. I have one on my 25. You will have to lock the spring loaded gooseneck (drill, bolt through) if the 'D' also has a roller boom.

[tjr818]

. . . Personally, I'm trying to convince myself to spring for the ridgid vang

Drop the boom on your wife's head just one time and you will be convinced

That rigid vang was one of the best things we ever put on Slainte.

[radsailor]

Another vote for boom kicker. I had one on a J 80 and now have one on my Typhoon. Easy to install, works great. One of those products that actually works.