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sailorladd · 12-07-2021, 08:17

Topping lift....

JD-MDR · 12-07-2021, 08:39

I intend to install a gallow on my boat also. I just installed a separate track for a storm trysal. I think it's much safer to lash the boom down in a storm. It will be in front of the dodger so I won't have a problem hitting my head

CyKlop · 12-07-2021, 09:38

I have a topping lift on my boat rather than a gallows. I also keep two extra lines around so that when in an Anchorage or under rough conditions, I run lines from the end of my boom to cleats in my stern. Between those two lines and the topping lift, I have a triangle and the boom does it move. No gallows to hit my head.

However, I did have a crew member who was very fond of strangling himself on lines, so this gave him an additional throat target.

davil · 12-07-2021, 09:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by _LifeInTheWild_

I have hit my head on them for the last time. The are gone tonight. The wife is over it too. I have split my head open, and today about knocked myself out. Anyone else feel the same?

=========================================

from Hopkins

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/heal...es/head-injury

You were lucky as your description qualifies for head trauma, having sustained this type of injury in the past have checked with my physician, there are times with no immediate symptoms however it is later that trouble start.
In my situation, I asked and got an order for a brain scan.
Many years ago was working with a broker, and he had a weekend race, was hit by a moving boom and died.
Nevertheless, the boom gallows properly designed and on the right place is helpful, (in my opinion)

wesevans · 12-07-2021, 10:04

I always found a boom gallows to be very useful on my boats. I can see where it might be a problem on boats with high aspect rigs with short booms where the gallows is over the cockpit.

sea-casper · 12-07-2021, 10:46

Topping Lift AND Solid Vang with spring.
Love the Hunter Arch, gets the traveler out of the way also.

I guess the vertically challenged are smarter because we bump our heads less.

marcjsmith · 12-07-2021, 12:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by sea-casper

Topping Lift AND Solid Vang with spring.
Love the Hunter Arch, gets the traveler out of the way also.

I guess the vertically challenged are smarter because we bump our heads less.

yeah but the altidudinaly challenged have other issues. My wife, jokingly, wants me to figure out a way to ither lengthen her legs or lower the cockpit seats so her feet touch the ground when she's seated. Platform shoes was an idea that was not received warmly. I asked her to grow more, that too got me a stink eye. At 56, i think shes started going the other way.

Lionshooter · 12-07-2021, 13:06

I added a Forespar Rigid Vang several years ago. Have been very pleased.

JD-MDR · 12-07-2021, 13:11

Wanted:: Bronze fittings or complete kit Boom Gallow. Side mount. Im in California

Dave Isom · 12-07-2021, 14:57

It’s your boat so do what works for you and ignore the “ helpful” comments posted. My Adams 40 does not have gallows and does not need them. I use the topping lift to keep the boom up and a boom brake to stop it from moving and hence squeaking. Clearly my boom is high enough to stop it hitting heads. This can cause serious injury to crews who are unfamiliar with your boat. My first boat was an H28 and an elderly lady friend was hit by the boom causing concussion and requiring hospital treatment.You may be able to raise the goose neck up the mast a little to clear heads but of course will lose a bit off the foot of your mainsail. If you are a cruiser that’s no big deal. I sailed around the world with a double reef in my main for most of the time and almost always at night. It made little difference to my average cruising speed.

Tanqueray · 12-07-2021, 15:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by _LifeInTheWild_

I have hit my head on them for the last time. The are gone tonight. The wife is over it too. I have split my head open, and today about knocked myself out. Anyone else feel the same?

I’ll take them! I want to use gallows or a rigid vang so I can get rid of my topping lift…

And they look salty.

Are they mounted far enough aft that you hit your head coming out of the companionway?

Greg

jockster1059 · 12-07-2021, 17:04

Why not a topping lift? Doesn't immobilize the boom completely but you have more control over the height and at least you can't bang your head on it...

chasfgr · 12-07-2021, 17:49

Boom gallows are regressive.

First have a boat large enough to endure you don't always have to be sitting in the cockpit.
I took the opportunity when I had a gravity storm off Cabo Gato, of getting a new, slightly longer mast, raised the boom attachment point, fitted a cockpit gallows carrying 400 watts of PV panels, and doubling up as a boom hanger..
If one contnues to stride from one of the cockpit seats to the other without ducking, you've not experienced mediaval door heights and will soon develop a pavlovian SR bond.
A final thought - as you age you shrink!! relief is at hand.