Boomkicker and topping lift

[Jm2fly]

On the 1975 C&C 33 we just purchased there are both. The topping lift needs replacing. Couldn't I just remove it? Seems like they work against each other.


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[John_Trusty]

I'm not certain I understand your post, but I believe you are saying that you have both a BoomKicker and a topping lift, and want to discontinue using the topping lift. Pardon if my reply underestimates your sailing knowledge (no offense intended). These two do not "work against each other" as they both lift the boom. The boom vang works against the BoomKicker by pulling the boom down, which may be needed when sailing off the wind as the main sheet is at too large an angle to pull the boom down.

I replaced the topping lift on my 22 with a BoomKicker, which is sort of a poor-man's rigid vang, to avoid playing with a topping lift while single-handing. I think it was an improvement in ease of dropping the main, and in allowing some boom lifting during sailing (you don't use a topping lift during sailing). I know they make sizable BoomKickers which would be appropriate for a 33, and encourage you to use one. The topping lift may be retained, or re-rove with a larger line, and kept as a spare at the mast out of the way. My philosophy is that you can always use another halyard.

[nigel1]

Having both has it uses.
1) Topping lift can be used as a spare halyard
2) Use to to lift the boom out of the way and to depower the main if needed.
3) In really light airs, the weight of the boom can pull all the twist out of the sail, you can use the topping lift to counteract the weight of the boom.

In most cases, I make sure the topping lift has enough slack in it to not work against the kicker.

[nigel1]

Sorry, misinterpreted the use of the word boomkicker.
In the UK, a kicker is another name for the boom vang.
Just googled boom kicker and see it is a strut that supports the boom.

I'd still keep the topping lift, useful as a spare halyard.

[barnakiel]

I dislike having both as this generates slack lift most of the time and slack lift destroys the leech and gets caught on the backs.

So if I had both on my boat I would disconnect the lift.

b.

[Jm2fly]

Our topping lift would not be a halyard it is just a piece of wire rope with a fixed connection at the mast a worn out pulley and 3/16" line at the boom end. If you release the main sheet the end of the boom raises a good 12" or so. As it is, it is non-adjustable. I suppose I could add a cleat and make it adjustable.


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[Jm2fly]

I should say the sail and topping lift then go slack and the lift wire likes to wrap around the sail then and get caught on a batten end.


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[Scaramanga F25]

A rigid vang or "Boomkicker" removes the need for a topping lift.

I like the safety.

[sailing_gal]

The PO of a prior owner removed the topping lift when he instKled a rodkicket. When the cylinder in the rodkicket failed, I sure wish he hadn't.

[jhulmer]

A topping lift is essential for the occasional use of the boom as a jib crane or with a flopper stopper. However, a spare halyard could be rigged when needed.
Although, frustrating with full battens, I also prefer the safety of a topping lift.

[uncle stinkybob]

Originally Posted by Scaramanga F25

A rigid vang or "Boomkicker" removes the need for a topping lift.

I like the safety.

Can you explain what you mean by you like the safety? is it the boomkicker that's safer? and why? and yes.....I'm a noob. lol

[nauticalnomad]

I remasted and re rigged and installed a spring loaded vang and also kept the topping lift as a spare halyard. The previous rig had a topping lift and a rope and pulley set up as the vang.. The boom now does not need the topping lift to stay up. I however sometimes use my boom as a crane for the tender and i use the spare halyard to take the weight etc. I also agree that you can never have enough halyards.

[Mike Paget]

When I remasted mine came with a fixed cable from the mast head and a line through the boom around a block attached to the mast head cable tied off at the boom end this was fed through sheaves at the mast end of the boom and back to the cockpit, I also have a Selden telescopic rod kicker. Both are essential as far as I am concerned to be able to adjust the twist in the main, I have only realised the benefits this offers since I started club racing, very informal racing but has improved my sail trim a great deal.
Mike