Topping lift for Typhoon Weekender

[Craig]

I was wondering what the advantages are to having a topping lift on my 1980 Ty. I have set up a jiffy reefing system (SailRite) that allows me to raise the boom to the leech reef point, then lower the sail to secure the luff cringle. So I'm not sure I need a topping lift for the purposes of the reefing system. I have the boom hanger to hang the boom when not sailing, but don't know how secure or stable that system is. Also I purchased a new masthead that has two pins, one for the backstay and one, presumably, for a topping lift. Any ideas on the best way to rig a topping lift the TY
Thanks.



cnspsych@aol.com

[John Lesage]

I mostly single sail. I find the topping lift the best method to depower the main when changes are necessary; either hoisting or lowering. The rest of the time it just gets in the way, but I like to have it available.



cdtyphoon@snet.net

[Serge Zimberoff]

I agree w/John. Had a pigtail on the rear stay before and would never switch back to it again. Picture coming home, single handed, wind has come up all day and it is really whistling in the rigging. You head up into the wind with the main really moving around now you want to try to hook the boom to the pigtail? Not! Just drop the main and let the topping lift do the work.
I put a small block at the mast head so I could adjust the topping lift to just where I want it. Tiny cleat on the mast and it stays untouched most of the season but if it stretches you can still adjust it.



serge@srtrop.com

[Greg Lutzow]

I use both a topping lift as well as a pigtail. The pigtail is used for mooring and the topping lift I use when sailing. The pigtail helps to keep the boom stable while unattended.

Greg
CEFALU III



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