Boom Vang and or Topping Lift

[knockabout]

you blokes are spoilt/ no topping lift / we have topping lift / rotary reefing main with cockpit controls / to ease the main halyard off it is necessary to have the topping lift to hold the boom up / when the main is fully raised we then clip a down haul a third of the way along the boom helps the sail hold it's shape / by adjusting both the topping lift and down haul gives the sail more belly for downwind / the reverse for upwind etc. some vessels with fixed down haul have in-mast reefing systems the topping lift has disappeared / the extra halyard nuisance as it may be is an added safety for spare main halyard, mast climbing, makeshift lazy jack etc. we added a block to the masthead with a spare front halyard that gets used for pole uphaul, spinnaker, mast climbing, lifting crane etc. extra halyards are a nuisance but very handy

[mrohr]

I prefer a vang and removal of topping lift,not only for reasons cited above,but the lack of the lift reduces windage .
I am in the market for a replacement of my current vang (simrad) and would be interested in a replacement for my 32 foot Contessa. The garhauler unit looks fine but would be interested( and purchasing ) a used unit if any here have one for sale.
Any opinions on rigid units appreciated.
Thx --- mike