topping lift on the backstay ?

[Bobby]

Hello everyone !

I have a question regarding my standing rigging, on a 1978 Pearson 323.

This one does not have a topping lift. Instead, a stainless steel cable with carabiner is directly fixed in Y on the backstay and on the boom (Figure).

The previous owner told me that he sailed without a topping lift.

When sailing, this stainless steel cable limits downwind performance.

I have some questions :
- have you ever seen this assembly?
- Should the stainless steel cable be removed once the main sail has been hoisted (then put back in place once the main sail has been lowered), with the boom vang stretched?
- does the installation of a classic topping lift or a rigid vang seem relevant to you?

Thank you for your help! 

[selene]

I have not experienced the setup you described; in my case I installed a rigid boom vang and removed the topping lift entirely, and never regretted it. No topping lift makes life so much easier on many levels. In addition I love the rigid vang (Garhauer) - easier to use than the original, stronger and more reliable.

[DavidG]

I have this configuration on the backstay but very rarely if at all ever used, since a topping lift is also installed/normally used on my boat.  The attachment to the boom (either way) is only used during no mainsail hoisted, as it is there to keep the boom off of the deck and in the way.  Depending on the wind conditions, it is unattached when the mainsail is raised and can support the boom.  I do not keep my boom vang installed unless I need it since it interferes with my salon hatch, and is only needed during sailing conditions.