On my last sail while giving some foriegn vistors a tour of the Bay I had a gear failure. We were sailing along nicely when I heard a PING, the next thing I knew one of my guest was holding his face. My topping lift had parted about a third the way up, the block and lower portion of the line had fallen and smacked my guest on the forehead. I made sure he was OK, he was startled more than anything, no blood and he did not ask for my lawyers name.
Has anyone replaced there topping lift? Did you get it from Catalina?
I hate going up the mast but, if I must I would like to have a replacement in hand so I only need to go up once.
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Cepheus dream
C36 MK I # 825
MK I Tech Editor No Mas
Steve - I sounds like the best excuse I've heard to justify a solid vang. It sounds like yours might have parted at the wire to rope splice? Does your setup integrate the Dutchman system?
Craig
Craig Illman, Seattle
S/V Espresso C34 #1150 1991
A buddy of mine who owns an S&S Catalina 38 did a super mod on his boom topping lift. He got tired of using the lift directly, and rigged a small block to the near end. Thus he now leaves the topping lift always adjusted at one position, and only tautens and slackens the block at the end of the boom when he wants to use the Dutchman system. I am going to make this mod when I get a free moment, but I share the photos attached.
Larry Brandt
S/V High Flight #2109
Pacific Northwest, PDX-based
2002 C-36 mkII SR/FK M35B