Tom, The lift keeps the boom from crashing on deck when you drop the sail, and it takes weight off the main when you cinch up the rear reef point (although these tiny booms are easy to lift). I think it is handy to add a short tackle at the boom end so the lift can be adjusted from the cockpit, and I like Tom Smith's idea as well; I use a bungee cord for the same purpose. My only complaint with a lift is that it rubs on the main a bit, and eventually might cause some chafing. I am eyeing the boom kicker concept, which presumably eliminates another line off the masthead and raises the boom when necessary. Maybe someone out there has one. Tom On Jul 26, 2011, at 11:07 AM, Tom Frei wrote:
Hi all. I'm a new owner of an 1981 M17. Works great. But I have a question about a topping lift. Should I have one? It is currently rigged without, but that is because I just rigged it the way the previous owner rigged the mast.
Seems to me there is no reason not to have one. It would certainly keep the boom up when lowering and reefing the main. Am I right?
-tom _______________________________________________ http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/montgomery_boats
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