What Is . . . ?

[w1651]

I know this is probably a really dumb question but I cannot get an answer for it so here it goes.

On the Boat I just bought there is a line that runs from the top of the mast down to the boom. It holds the boom from dropping. Is it a stay, line, shroud, What?
I know what a boom vang is a cunningham and so on but they are on the opposite side of the boom.

Thanks

[capngeo]

Topping lift

[Sailmonkey]

Topping lift, it can be a line, wire, monofilament, whatever. Some are adjustable, some are not.

[perchance]

Originally Posted by w1651

I know this is probably a really dumb question but I cannot get an answer for it so here it goes.

On the Boat I just bought there is a line that runs from the top of the mast down to the boom. It holds the boom from dropping. Is it a stay, line, shroud, What?
I know what a boom vang is a cunningham and so on but they are on the opposite side of the boom.

Thanks

A boom vang is not a cunningham.

[Adelie]

Also occasionally referred to as a boom lift to distinguish it from the spinnaker pole lift.

[hellosailor]

w, the only dumb question is the one unasked.

It can't be a shroud, because shrouds are fixed rigging that tend to hold things erect.

It can't be a line, because lines run horizontally and are used to control or haul things.

So it must be the "boom-dropper-stopper", neither a line nor a shroud. Often mistaken for a topping lift, which would be attached to the non-dairy whipped topping, rather than the boom.

A good reason to buy a cheap used copy of Chapman's from any online source. Great for rainy days or slow ones.

[cabo_sailor]

Some rigid boom vangs will support the boom without the topping lift. I personally don't have one, just the topping lift and the dutchman flaking system attached to the topping lift.

Rich

[S/V Alchemy]

Topping lifts are cheaper than boom vangs, I know that much.

Oddly, while I have two very different monohulls, I don't have a vang on either of 'em.

[boatman61]

Its what you use to turn your Boom into a 'Chin-up Bar'....

[Dune]

Originally Posted by hellosailor

w, the only dumb question is the one unasked.

That wouldn't be a question at all.

There are no dumb questions, just dumb answers.

[GordMay]

Topping lift?

[roverhi]

For those contemplating a new topping lift. My uncoated wire topping lift abraided the sail very badly if I didn't constantly stay on the tension. Decided to switch over to one of the new super low stretch synthetics. Since these are super strong picked the smallest size that seemed suitable. The vang no longer chafes the main, it sings. In anything but almost flat conditions, the damn thing vibrates like a guitar string. Drove me crazy the first time I was on the boat in a bit of wind. Finally accidentally figured out what was causing the noise after many hours of searching. Whatever you do, use something larger than 1/8".

[Dune]

Originally Posted by roverhi

the damn thing vibrates like a guitar string. Drove me crazy the first time I was on the boat ".

Did you want to shoot it?

[Wand]

Originally Posted by roverhi

For those contemplating a new topping lift. My uncoated wire topping lift abraided the sail very badly if I didn't constantly stay on the tension. Decided to switch over to one of the new super low stretch synthetics. Since these are super strong picked the smallest size that seemed suitable. The vang no longer chafes the main, it sings.

When the main is hoisted, I recommend unclipping the topping lift from the boom and taking it down one of the stays, right out the way. Guaranteed no chafe. Just gotta always remember to put it back before reefing or dropping...

[w1651]

Originally Posted by hellosailor

w, the only dumb question is the one unasked.

It can't be a shroud, because shrouds are fixed rigging that tend to hold things erect.

It can't be a line, because lines run horizontally and are used to control or haul things.

So it must be the "boom-dropper-stopper", neither a line nor a shroud. Often mistaken for a topping lift, which would be attached to the non-dairy whipped topping, rather than the boom.

A good reason to buy a cheap used copy of Chapman's from any online source. Great for rainy days or slow ones.

Thanks for clearing that up for me Sailor. I think!