And to that end, make sure the terminations are relatively strong, so when you fall onto the boom, nothing lets go.RussMT wrote:The reason I prefer a topping lift is that it supports the boom when I lower the main sail. This allows me to tighten the main sheet to hold the boom in place while I secure the sail to it with ties. I don't want the boom on the deck with people in the cockpit. The "locked" in place boom gives me something to hold on to while tying down the sail.
No, really. Even small line is far stronger than it needs to be, but pulling an eye strap out of the mast would not be good, and a couple of small sheet metal screws is a poor way to attach the termination. And, if you're anything like me, you will fall onto the boom when an unexpected wave or wake hits the boat. And as RussMT stated, it's really nice to have a locked-in-place boom when wrapping up the sail, or even just going forward for any reason.
