Conference unifix::sailing

>    But when Eric Hiscock says Nylon Topping lift I feel like let's for-
>    get what I have learn and start from the beginning.On the other hand
>    I can imaging my topping lift -if it was from nylon- to be like a
>    yo-yo as it stetches when the boat Hobby-horse.

If the boom doesn't hit you on the head, why not??

--RS

...and the Hiscocks had a boom gallows on Wanderer IV.  That helps one 
worry less about stretching a nylon t.l.

J.

    Well, I don't have 30 years experience, but I think I learned a
    bit from my own mistakes...and more knowledgeable tars.  With any
    rigging made of rope tails, you want something that will withstand
    sun and salt [presumably you are on the ocean].  Then you care about
    maintaining the wind in your sails...so you want halyards that won't
    stretch everytime you raise you mainsail or jibs; you want a mainsheet
    that won't stretch evrytime you 'tweek' you sails for a quarter
    knot of speed or a half degree on the rose and give you casue to
    lose your footing in the cockpitpit or the companio.   Now, what
    is the task of the topping lift?  Essentially to keep the boom off
    your head.  Does it matter if it stretches a little bit?  I don't
    think so--so if nylon is handier nas less expensive, use it.  If
    not then use dacron.  Either one is good for avoiding rot.ay

    O.K. I heared....The topping lift can be either nylon or
    dacron.Thanks!! In my case I decided to replace my 1/4"dacron topping
    lift with a 7/16" dacron for the following reasons-please don't
    hesitate to let me know if I am screwing up.-
    a. Increase in thicknes in case I ever need to support the backstay,or
    replace broken backstay before mast fall
    b. Use dacron instead of nylon because I don't have boom gallows and 
    there is a clip snap on the topping lift which clips on the backstay 
    holding the boom stationary when not in use.The boat hobey horses like
    crazy on the mooring and if I use nylon,because of the elasticity the
    clip will overtravel on the backstay with obviously result to brake and
    cause demage to the boom.
    Any inputs? Do I learn or not? Need to the boat is in and the knowledge
    is not.

re 4:

Our topping lift and main halyard are interchangeable -- same diameter,
same shackles, and led through sheet stoppers to the same winch. This
allows the topping lift to be used as the main halyard (should the main
halyard break or somehow go up the mast -- both of which are more likely
than breaking the backstay). You might want to consider doing the same. 

I'm not in favor of clipping the topping lift or boom to the backstay 
when moored. This puts a small sideways load on the backstay, and even 
small loads can eventually cause failure through fatigue. Our toppping 
lift is attached to the outer end of the boom and supports the boom when 
moored. The boom is kept from swinging from side to side by lines from 
the boom to each side of the deck. When pulled tight, this is very 
effective at immobilizing the boom. 

We also use two mechanical vangs/preventers when sailing -- one to each 
genoa track. When reefing the mailsail, the boom is raised to the 
appropriate height with topping lift and then both vangs are pulled 
tight. This is as effective at immobilizing the boom as a boom gallows 
and has been satisfactory even reefing in a gale (it is also much 
cheaper than a gallows).

re .3

Before you buy the larger line, make sure the sheave will accomodate it!

--RS