True topping lift for Typhoon -- how to?

[Chris]

I recently purchased Ty that has the topping lift connected to the backstay. My question to those that have a true topping lift, where/how did you install the sheeve at the top of the mast?

Thanks!
Chris



chill334@home.com

[Bill Bloxham]

I put a small Schaeffer swivel block (a 2 series, I think) on the higher aft mounting point of the boom on my '74. The line, a 3/16" something or other (you do not need very low strech line) runs from the mast crane to the block, and then forward to about 70" from the front of the boom, where I have a clam cleat. Works fine, and there is less clutter at the mast base then the other common methods.
When I had my sailmaker make a new backstay after a mast lowering event (don't ask) he advised me to keep the pigtail in case I went to a Harken windward sheeting car. With windward sheeting, if you are on a mooring or anchored the boom will whip around unless the lines are all tightened up. If they are all tightened up, the movement streches them over time, and you need to replace them more often.
And when I'm working on the boat at my dock, I run the extension cord to the pigtail to keep the wire out of the water.
Bill



mmmmmmbill@aol.com

[sloopjohnl]

if you are looking for limited hardware and use the topping lift to simply hold the boom off the deck, you can run a wire with an eye in each end from the aft of the masthead crane to a little above the end of the boom leaving enough room for a short length of rope to make an adjustable slip knot to adjust the height of the boom to your specification.

I recently purchased Ty that has the topping lift connected to the backstay. My question to those that have a true topping lift, where/how did you install the sheeve at the top of the mast?

Thanks!
Chris