Rig question. What do you prefer and why?

[N1EYO]

Lazy Jacks?

Boom Kicker?

Topping Lift?


Or a combination?

While the mast is down, maybe now is the time to address the need.

Dave

[boatman61]

Originally Posted by N1EYO

Lazy Jacks?
A pain going up.. a boon coming down

Boom Kicker?

Topping Lift?
On my boats an essential... saves repairing the cabin top every time I drop the main or reef

Or a combination?

While the mast is down, maybe now is the time to address the need.

Dave

No need to drop the mast mate... all do-able while standing..

[Stumble]

I hate topping lifts. They mess up the roach of the main, are always flopping around, and if you forget to release them (which I eventually do) snap at the worst time.

I prefer ridged vangs, but they are expensive for small boats.

[Aikiguy]

Garhauer rigid vang
Make your own Lazy Jacks, (Hint they can be out of the way going up, and perfect coming down).
Check out this article on them: Good Old Boat - Lazy-jacks: mainsail tamers article
Dump the topping lift.
Guy
:-)

[psk125]

Rigid vang. Lazy jacks are windage. Topping lift? Why?

[Aikiguy]

Cruising, you can reef easier. Flaking the sail by yourself becomes easy with lazy jacks. Racing, with a big crew, then you don't need to do much everyone can flake the sail when you get back to dock.
A little more windage but the country flag probably had more than the lazy jacks!
Guy
:-)

[gordwedman]

I agree on the topping lift being a pain for all the reasons mentioned plus if forget to set it the boom may come down on someone's head. I have a Garhauer vang on my Valiant and it works fine. My boat came with " Easy Jacks" and these can be pulled back to the mast after the main is up so there is no significant windage. They are very nice to have, especially if you do any single handed sailing. I think anything you can do to make the boat easier to manage increases the enjoyment and safety.

[roverhi]

Have home made lazy jacks that live at the mast when not in use. Don't have a rigid vang so have to have a topping lift. Adjusts through a 3 part tackle at the end of the boom. Way nicer since switching to Dyneema instead of coated wire. Lighter weight and doesn't cause wear on the mainsail leech.