Yes, we have a topping
lift. We have all the features of a
mainsail boom... slab reefing,
outhaul, cunningham, traveller, etc... the only thing we lack is a
boom vang, which would actually be very useful.
Not that we have ever reefed it... but if we were to reef it the advantage is that is moves the COE down to the
deck rather than out towards the bow like a
roller furler.
We can also use the boom as a secondary lift point for man overboards, as a mechanism for backing the sail, as a boom tent spline, a great place to hang
laundry, etc.