[Public-List] #56 Topping Lift Question

[James Cowhey via Public-List]

Thanks, everyone.  I think I'll stick with what I have and maybe upgrade to a slightly bigger diameter next season or so.  My experience had been with wiring so this small braided line was of concern but I understand while I'm might be slightly undersized it should keep working properly.

James Cowhey
Sent from my iPad

> On Sep 22, 2017, at 10:49 AM, Mike Lehman via Public-List <public-list at lists.alberg30.org> wrote:
> 
> Plus...remember that the old wire lift was adjusted from the boom end which
> you could not reach when running down wind.
> 
> On Sep 22, 2017 8:54 AM, "Gordon Laco via Public-List" <
> public-list at lists.alberg30.org> wrote:
> 
>> Good morning –
>> 
>> We use ¼” polyester double braid for our main topping lift, which starts
>> with a snap shackle at the outer end of the boom, goes up to a swivel block
>> at the masthead, then down to a clamcleat on the mast.  It’s tail is coiled
>> onto the small spar cleat fitted lower down at the factory.
>> 
>> Wire was once common for lifts, I think because of the small windage they
>> afford, but on the other hand the wire is thought to beat hell out of the
>> stitching on the leach of the mainsail, so people used to resort to the
>> awkward expedient of attaching the lift to a ring on the backstay.  I never
>> liked that set up because to replace the lift one had to first catch the
>> end of the boom.  And of course in heavy air when one wants to reef,
>> re-attaching the lift to support the boom during the procedure can be
>> dangerous.
>> 
>> A rope lift doesn’t bother the sail much, can be very easily adjusted from
>> the mast, and on two occasions over thirty years with two boats... that
>> lift has served as an emergency main halyard.
>> 
>> Gord
>> #426 Surprise
>> 
>> On 2017-09-22, 12:04 AM, "Public-List on behalf of George Dinwiddie via
>> Public-List" <public-list-bounces at lists.alberg30.org on behalf of
>> public-list at lists.alberg30.org> wrote:
>> 
>>    James,
>> 
>>    1/8" seems a bit small, but it could be that the block at the masthead
>>    was designed for wire. I think 3/16" or 1/4" line is more common.
>> 
>>    The ones I've seen with wire rope have been fixed at the masthead and
>>    have a braided line tackle between the wire and the boom. That seems
>>    overkill, to me, as stretch really isn't an issue.
>> 
>>      - George
>> 
>>>    On 9/21/17 10:52 PM, James Cowhey via Public-List wrote:
>>> This is my first post since taking ownership of #56 Mo Cuisle,
>> formerly Inherit the Wind.  I'v already learned a few things from the
>> listserv.  I'm sure I'll have more questions as I get to know her.
>>> 
>>> A previous owner rigged the topping lift with 1/8 inch braided
>> line.  I this a racing modification?  The line runs from the end of boom to
>> a block at the masthead to a cleat near the bottom of the mast.  The line
>> seems too stretchy, but I've only ever seen wire rope topping lifts.  What
>> is the preferred or OEM rig for the topping lift on these boats?
>>> 
>>> I haven't owned a boat in over fifteen years, and I ended up buying
>> this one in July and it was the first one I looked at when I considered
>> ownership again.  These are special and beautiful boats.
>>> 
>>> Thanks.
>>> 
>>> James Cowhey
>>    --
>>      ------------------------------------------------------------
>> ----------
>>       When I remember bygone days                         George Dinwiddie
>>       I think how evening follows morn;
>> gdinwiddie at alberg30.org
>>       So many I loved were not yet dead,
>> http://www.Alberg30.org
>>       So many I love were not yet born.                          also see:
>>                    'The Middle' by Ogden Nash
>> http://idiacomputing.com
>>      ------------------------------------------------------------
>> ----------
>> 
>> 
>> 
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