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Post by B e n on Jun 11, 2021 19:53:17 GMT
I have a stock 2002 model WR17 and would love to rig up a way to keep the boom suspended even if the mainsail is not set. In my experience with other boats, this is done with a topping lift--a line that is essentially a spare halyard, running up to the top of the mast and made fast to the end of the boom. My mast cap has only a single shiv, which the main halyard uses, so I'm not entirely sure how I would run a topping lift / spare halyard up there. Have any of you rigged a topping lift before? Are there other clever ways to keep the boom suspended?
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Post by Richard Isaac Ceballos on Jun 11, 2021 21:36:59 GMT
 Ben, you are right about the need for a topping lift.
OPTION 1:
An easy way is to attach a topping lift line at the very top of the mast and at the very end of the boom.
Screw or pop revit a pad eye to the top of the mast. there is an existing pad eye at the end of the boom.
It is important to attach the topping lift at the mast and boom extremities (top of mast and end of boom) in order for the topping lift to clear the mainsail.
(otherwise the mainsail battens will hang up on the topping lift when raising the sail).
Toward the boom end of the topping lift you can tie three separate carabiners.
Tie the first carabiner so that it will hold the boom level (while raising and lowering the mainsail).
Tie a second carabiner carabiner about 18" above the first one to hold the boom above your head (while motoring).
Tie a third carabiner about 18" below the first one.
The third carabiner gives slack to allow the boom to be suspended by the mainsail, not the topping lift, (while sailing). And to (keep the topping lift captured) till you need to change boom levels.
OR OBTION 2:
Screw or pop revit a cheek block at the very top of the mast.
Run the topping lift line from the boom end through the cheek block down to a block at the aka plate and back to the pilot cockpit, where it can be cleated off at various boom levels.
Also, this option can be used to raise a jib cover while the jib is attached. However, it is more lines to contend with while stepping the mast.
FOR EITHER OPTION:
You should insert a Davis Sail Stop in the mast track to hold the boom about 18" above the mast base. This will allow you to level the boom (using the topping lift) while raising or lowering the mainsail. When the mainsail is raised the gooseneck will be pulled above the sail stop and luff tension can be applied by the down haul.
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Post by ddcinc on Jun 11, 2021 23:49:49 GMT
I've owned a number of Windriders. I prefer to use a cheek block to attach the topping lift. If you want to have a topping lift and have another line to use to lift a jib sock, you can use a double cheek block. If you have an upper tang for a reacher or spinnaker, you can use that halyard for the jib sock. I use riv-nuts to attach the cheek block. Another option that I haven't tried is to remove the clevis from the masthead, and replace it with an appropriately sized eyebolt. Then you can hang a block from the eyebolt. Also, I use a Davis sailstop to support the mast end of the boom. That way I can set either end of the boom at whatever height I want. That's especially useful if you want to rig a canopy or tent.
My complete setup includes sailslugs, and a Ronstan RF 5 camcleat I install in the luff grove at the base of the mast to allow me to raise or lower the main from the rear cockpit. This works best if you have lazy jacks, which I normally integrate with the topping lift. I also use a sail stop to retain the lowered mainsail. So, one sail stop holds the boom, the other prevents the sail slugs from exiting the luff grove when the sail is lowered. It's super easy to drop the main - head into the wind, pop the halyard, and let it fall. Sometimes I'll use a bungy to hold the sail in the lazy jacks, but it's usually not necessary.
Sorry I don't have any pics, but I just got a new boat, and I'll be rigging it in the coming days. I think I have all of the parts, except maybe an extended halyard to reach to the rear cockpit.
Another option to use instead of a topping lift is a boom kicker. I don't have enough experience with one to have an opinion, but you may want to check it out. Saves having another line aloft, especially if you don't want lazy jacks.
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Post by Richard Isaac Ceballos on Jun 12, 2021 12:14:01 GMT
Thankfully, ddcinic's post reminded me that I should have mentioned the importance of using a Sail Stop to hold the boom level while raising or lowering the mainsail. So I have amended my post to include the Sail Stop (with picture). Judging by ddcinc's post he has a lot to offer I hope to see threads from him.
richard
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Post by Richard Isaac Ceballos on Dec 29, 2021 23:30:07 GMT
viperAttes,
Sorry you post is unreadable.
I hope you edit and delete the waisted space.
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