Question for those with topping lifts

[jeffandlori]

There are many threads discussing the merits and uses of topping lifts, so not looking to revisit those topics. I am interested in the merits of different mounting locations. I have seen some that use a cheek block on the side of the mast and some that either run through the masthead sheaves (not an option for me) or a block mounted under the backstay. In my case the cheek block approach would be easier, but how annoying is it to have it off to one side? I could probably get a block set up below the backstay, is it worth the extra hassle to have it centered?

[JPA Cate]

A lot of people don't want to run a boom topping lift, because of chafe on the mainsail. If you have a main with much roach in it, that can be a lot of chafe. Our boom topping lift shiv is at the masthead, parallel to the main halyard shiv, and it is not even roved. On the rare occasions when we have wanted to top up the boom, we have had the main down and used the main halyard. The mechanical vang holds it up adequately in our case.

Ann

[Bowdrie]

I went a slightly different route.
I used a pair of thick stainless "triangle" plates.
One set of holes fits in the masthead weldment with its thru bolt.
The backstay eye fits between the second set of holes, and the third set of holes mount a block that the topping lift reeves thru.
The whole works is well above the head of the main, and the topping lift can also serve as both an emergency halyard and a line for hoisting purposes.
Can there be some chaff? yes, but it's minimal.