I am going to install a Dutchman system on my 40/40. The main is a beast. But to do so I need a topping lift. And I don’t know if it’s possible to install one. I will have the mast out for another repair.
My 40/40 has a topping lift, so I know it’s possible. Actually when I bought it the boom vang was shot so the topping lift was doing double duty. And she has a heavy furling boom! The PO said the topping lift was set up to be an emergency main halyard as well, but I’ve never tried it.
I have a Dutchman as well, but not installed yet, so I’m interested to see how you make out with it.
blue moon is getting a new stack pack from Harding Sails this spring. The canvas will utilize the existing lazyjacks and a couple 1” battens to create shape and volume. Harding’s canvas maker, Christine, was concerned about the lack of a topping lift to extend over 18’ of zipper. I saw a setup on a brand new boat and showed her a picture. We decided to mimic the setup.
After spending way too much time online “researching “, I eventually landed on the inevitable: the boom end fitting from Sailrite specifically designed for the purpose. About two hundred bucks, shipped.
Let us know how that boom fitting works out. Its a royal pain in the ass to get the zipper started on my stack pack due to not having somewhere to tie off the end of the zipper. Also without having a topping lift, you have to rely on your lazy jacks to elevate your boom if you have a tired boom vang spring.
rigging the sail rite hardware this week. launching this month. I’ve received approval from the CFO to pay Thurston of Bristol,RI to rig the sails. We derived last fall and it was a real struggle with the main. After the boat arrives in her home port of Mattapoisett, Harding will rig the stack pack. We are really looking forward to this.
Please post a picture of it . Im super curious. The one issue that i thought of when I looked at the dimensions of the bracket is that it might not be as tall as my stack pack. But maybe thats ok.