OK, this is an interesting topic. I have installed two topping lifts now on two boats. I am not a handy man at all, so I had to learn. This is where you can buy just a few inexpensive tools, and really learn something fun. I bought a tap for a #8 -32 screw, and #10-24 screw, plus the handle, at the local hardware store. It was under 10 bucks. For boats our size #8 or #10 machine screws are plenty big enough. The #10 are bigger. You use a #29 drill bit for the #8 screw, and a #25 for the #10 screw. Again, cheap. The table can be found many places, but here is one: http://www.boltdepot.com/fastener-information/US-Tap-Drill-Size.aspx Now, buy a Harken cheek block such as the H-233 seen here: http://www.apsltd.com/c-442-harkensmallboatblocks.aspx Go to the top of the mast and mark with a scribe. Drill holes for #10 screws. You can get stainless screws at West Marine, or your local hardware store. Use your tap. Very satisfying to do, and really easy since aluminum is so soft. Makes me really feel like I know something. You then mount the block. Nothing is more fun than screwing machine screws into the holes you just tapped. I don't know why that is! Doesn't matter which side of the mast you put it on, but I usually use the port side. Down low on the mast mount a plastic standard cleat using the same method with drill and tap and machine screws. Once you try this the first time you will be hooked on this method! Then, get enough line to run from the cleat, up to the cheek block, and down to the end of the boom. Attach to boom with something that can release, like a cheap carabiner. You can use thin line. 1/8 inch or 3/32 standard yacht braid such as sta-set is just fine. I have found having the tap, the right drill bits, and a few machine screws around really nice for attaching things to the mast. I like it much better than rivets. Daniel On 8/5/2011 7:51 AM, larry watson wrote:
Hi,
You might consider a Boomkicker...a solid. flexible vang that supports the boom when you need it out of the way and is a preventer when you jibe. mine is over 10 years old and going strong.
Larry Watson
--- On Fri, 8/5/11, WILLIAM FRANKLIN BROCK<wilbrc6@yadtel.net> wrote:
From: WILLIAM FRANKLIN BROCK<wilbrc6@yadtel.net> Subject: M_Boats: Monty 15 To: montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com Date: Friday, August 5, 2011, 1:08 AM
I was wondering my Monty15 doesn't have a topping lift I'm wanting to put one on my boat. At the top of the mast do you just add another block for it? Or how are they normally ran? Dose any body have any pictures of how they are ran at the top and the back of the boom.
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