David, The topping lift on my M17 is made fast at the masthead and runs through a cheekblock at the end of the boom to a cleat right next to it. Just an alternate arrangement that involves less modification at the masthead. When the boom is removed you can cleat it on the downhaul cleat. Rick M17 #633 Lynne L -- Sent from my Palm Pre On Mar 23, 2011 10:54 PM, David Grah <d_b_grah@yahoo.com> wrote: Thanks for the help this forum is always able to provide me. I have a couple more Montgomery 15 questions for the group: 1. I'd like to have something to keep my boom up when the main is down. It seems like a topping lift, a cradle, or a boom kicker could help with this and I'd be interested in people's experiences with any of these things. I think I saw a nice wooden cradle on someone's boat at Lake Havasu but didn't figure out whose it was or find out how well it worked, where it is stored, and if it gets in the way. I have seen discussions about boom kickers but wonder how securely the support the back end of the boom. A topping lift seems simple and effective but could interfere with the head of the main and affect sail shape if not the right length. I also wonder what material would be best for a topping lift. Does stretch matter? 2. Does anyone have good ways to set up a mosquito net for the cabin? Thanks for any information you fine group of people can provide. The sailing season is nearly upon us. David Grah Bishop, California PS - Stan, thanks for the offer. If I was only a fisherman, I'd be in good shape! I am half thinking I like not having the number on the sail... _______________________________________________ http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/montgomery_boats When posting, remember that there is no privacy on the Internet!