Bones, Busca's topping lift consists of a hook that snaps onto the end of the boom connected to a light line (3/16"?) that runs up to a small block (I don't have it in front of me, but something like Harken #234 would work) and then down to the base where it ties to an eyestrap. I then tie it off on a cleat on the mast. The block is on the same pin as the backstay, mounted with some washers on either side to keep it away from the backstay and crane sides. However, I'm sure you could improve on my arrangement: I find that I like to have the topping lift in a couple of different positions and some sort of super quick way to make the change would be nice. The ordinary position is such that the topping lift is slack while sailing. The second position is with the boom raised up while at anchor. On Busca, I just used existing fittings, so the arrangement is less than "real slick". One way you might consider is to locate an eyestrap on the mast just below the gooseneck and a small cleat below that (spacing matters; to suit). Then, if you tie the topping lift to the eyestrap (and the line goes directly up the mast) the boom is in the low, sailing, position. Then, if you pull down on the topping lift and hook it under the cleat, the boom is in the high, anchoring, position. To sail, you just flip it off the cleat. Very easy. (On Busca, since the fittings were existing, it's not that easy and I have to cleat the line with each move). Another way would be to route the topping lift back to the cockpit and have a cam cleat on the cabin top, but that would make for more complex rigging. One nice thing with a topping lift is that while rigging, I hook the topping lift to the end of the boom as I start to pull the boom out of the cabin. That way, I only concern myself with the gooseneck end. possibilities to ponder, Tod -----Original Message----- From: montgomery_boats-bounces+htmills=bright.net@mailman.xmission.com [mailto:montgomery_boats-bounces+htmills=bright.net@mailman.xmission.com] On Behalf Of bownez@juno.com Sent: Thursday, July 08, 2004 10:32 PM To: montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com Subject: Re: M_Boats: Topping lift Hi There Listers, Well, I'mn on the verge of bringing my neglected M17 #92 out of storage and one item I would like to add is a topping lift. I presently have a short lanyard off the aft stay which is fine for keeping the boom supported when flaking the main, but after getting used to the rigid vang on the M23, I would like the flexibility of a true topping lift, especially when it's time to reef. What do all you other 17 owners use for a block at the top of the mast? Do you also simply add another cleat at the base of the mast for adjustment? Your input is greatly appreciated. Hope everyone is having a wonderful sailing summer. Prost, Bones in Mpls ________________________________________________________________ The best thing to hit the Internet in years - Juno SpeedBand! Surf the Web up to FIVE TIMES FASTER! Only $14.95/ month - visit www.juno.com to sign up today! _______________________________________________ http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/montgomery_boats