Topping lift question

[gyroplanes]

Any reason why I can't use an old stay (or just some 3/32" SS wire for a topping lift ? I currently have a topping lift that is a 3/16 cord, it's old and I don't trust it. I thought a strong, cable lift might allow using the boom as a crane to lift things aboard if necessary.
THOUGHTS?

[Russ]

Just what are you planning on lifting aboard that is that heavy?

I saw a video of a guy holding a Mac over by the top of the mast. That's a lot of leverage and using the topping life as a crane? Not sure I'd do it.

BTW, I have the same topping lift made of line. Works great.

--Russ

[gyroplanes]

A wet MOB on a miserable day???

I plan to replace the topping lift. I don't have any new 3/16 line, but I do have aircraft ss cable. (so why not?)

[bartmac]

Just one thing.......is there a chafing problem ie wire against the sail?

[Carl Noble]

I liked having a regular cord on mine. There were many times when I had the bimini up and I would have to raise the back of the boom by cleating the topping lift. You cannot do this with SS cable. The cord isn't that expensive.

[DaveB]

You do not want to use Steel cable as a topping lift. If your worried about strength go Amsteel 1/8 line and you can haul 800 lbs or more before your mast lets go or tip the boat over.(Not recommened )
1/8 sta braded dacron is all you need.
The less diamiter of line, less wind resistance. Amsteel is a very strong line,very hard to splice but a pro. can do even with a eye.
Dave

A wet MOB on a miserable day???

I plan to replace the topping lift. I don't have any new 3/16 line, but I do have aircraft ss cable. (so why not?)

[ronacarme]

Line topping lift is bendable to allow full length for sailing and reduced length to raise boom for cockpit headroom when not sailing. Not so with ss cable.
Ron

[THE CUSCUS]

3/16 wire should be more than strong enough. I used 1/8 on my topping lift set-up. The top end is attached to the masthead and the lower end is about 20" short of the boom. On this end is a small block (for 1/4 line). Then close to the end of the boom I have, on the starboard side, an eye strap and on the port side a small cheek block. Forwards on the port side (about 12"), is a small cleat. I take a piece of 1/4 line and tie a stopper knot on one end then feed the line up through the eye strap to the block on the end of topping lift cable, then down through the cheek block and then finally cleat it off. This setup allows you to easily adjust the height of your boom, and since its triangular in shape, doesn't cock the boom (side load) to one side either. It is also easy to breakdown when lowering the mast for transport. Like they say, "there are a 100 ways to skin a cat", and this is my way.

[Terry]

A wet MOB on a miserable day???

I plan to replace the topping lift. I don't have any new 3/16 line, but I do have aircraft ss cable. (so why not?)

A chain is only as strong as its' weakest link.
How strong is that little pulley block at the the top of the mast that the topping lift line threads through? Is it affixed strong enough to haul the wet MOB aboard or will it break away from the mast top and the whole assembly comes tumbling down? MeThinks it is only designed to hold the weight of the boom and sail.

[Dido]

Having just added a topping lift and seen how much the main sail rubs agains it while on a reach or run even though it is slack i would not consider cable.
As for the MOB i have a block and seperate line set up to hook on approx 3/4 length of the boom to assist bringing an MOB back on board again this is only as strong as the boom/mast connection.

[bscott]

MOB should use a "hove to" which means you cannot use the boom for a derrick--best to use the stern ladder. I'm not keen on having a topping lift wire running to a boom in a thunder storm

Bob

[gyroplanes]

Thanks for all of the replies.

I'd like to answer several of the replies.

I have the SS cable, so it is cheaper than any rope.

SS wire is smooth and slippery, I doubt it would wear on the sail any more than a line would.

I would affix the top of the topping lift directly to the mast, with a bolt and nut.

3/32 SS aircraft cable is flexible

I really doubt that SS cable would conduct lightning to the cockpit any faster than the mast and boom would.

On my MAC 25 I had a rope topping lift with a doggie collar shackle on the end. I often took the TL off and clipped it to the aft stay while sailing.

My only reasons for wanting to swap SS cable for rope were the availability of the cable and making the set up stronger.

I do appreciate the feedback and gave careful consideration to each reply.

[DaveB]

Final note, 45 years of sailing I have never seen,heard of anyone putting a SS backstay on a boat under 35 ft.
The weight aloft,the chafing of mainsail and teltails, raiseing and lowering mast Trailersailing.
Sorry to be at the point! but I would give it serious thoughtful consideration.
Dave

Thanks for all of the replies.

I'd like to answer several of the replies.

I have the SS cable, so it is cheaper than any rope.

SS wire is smooth and slippery, I doubt it would wear on the sail any more than a line would.

I would affix the top of the topping lift directly to the mast, with a bolt and nut.

3/32 SS aircraft cable is flexible

I really doubt that SS cable would conduct lightning to the cockpit any faster than the mast and boom would.

On my MAC 25 I had a rope topping lift with a doggie collar shackle on the end. I often took the TL off and clipped it to the aft stay while sailing.

My only reasons for wanting to swap SS cable for rope were the availability of the cable and making the set up stronger.

I do appreciate the feedback and gave careful consideration to each reply.

[gyroplanes]

Final note, 45 years of sailing I have never seen,heard of anyone putting a SS backstay on a boat under 35 ft.
The weight aloft,the chafing of mainsail and teltails, raiseing and lowering mast Trailersailing.
Sorry to be at the point! but I would give it serious thoughtful consideration.
Dave

I hope I haven't offended anyone with this post.

I had not considered the chafing as most of my sailing is done with the TL attached to the aft stay, however, if I mounted the top of the TL to the mast, it would probably contact some part of the sail. I have worked with SS cable throughout my career as an aircraft mechanic. Aircraft SS cable isn't that heavy and or abrasive. I only trailer twice a year.

After all that has been written and considered. I will most likely go with a line. Since I will probably not be using the boom as a crane due to the upper attachment issues, there is no longer a valid reason to use SS cable over line. With line, I could forgo the multiple "doggie collar" shackles (for standard and raised boom applications) and use a wrap around the boom to raise as I have in the past.

Thanks again to all that responded. I really appreciate this forum, it has influenced me from the making the decision to buy an X boat, until today.

[DaveB]

You haven't offended me or probably anyone else.
My responce was to give you heads up on normal rigging on a Mac.X.
Actually I don't need a toping lift as I have a bimini that the boom rests on when sails are down.
I have it as a second line in case I have to chimmy up the mast in a buson chair.
Dave

Final note, 45 years of sailing I have never seen,heard of anyone putting a SS backstay on a boat under 35 ft.
The weight aloft,the chafing of mainsail and teltails, raiseing and lowering mast Trailersailing.
Sorry to be at the point! but I would give it serious thoughtful consideration.
Dave

I hope I haven't offended anyone with this post.

I had not considered the chafing as most of my sailing is done with the TL attached to the aft stay, however, if I mounted the top of the TL to the mast, it would probably contact some part of the sail. I have worked with SS cable throughout my career as an aircraft mechanic. Aircraft SS cable isn't that heavy and or abrasive. I only trailer twice a year.

After all that has been written and considered. I will most likely go with a line. Since I will probably not be using the boom as a crane due to the upper attachment issues, there is no longer a valid reason to use SS cable over line. With line, I could forgo the multiple "doggie collar" shackles (for standard and raised boom applications) and use a wrap around the boom to raise as I have in the past.

Thanks again to all that responded. I really appreciate this forum, it has influenced me from the making the decision to buy an X boat, until today.