-- dwf
M-15 #189 -- I haven't lived with her long enough yet to have learned
her name --
P-15 #1086 "PELICAN" -- 'Tis better to putter with a Potter than
potter with a putter !
Ridgecrest, CA
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> From: DAVID_KAUTZ@HP-Sunnyvale-om5.om.hp.com
> To: Saabdrver@aol.com
> Cc: wwpotter@tscnet.com
> Subject: Re: Topping lift
> Date: Thursday, August 27, 1998 9:36 AM
>
> - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
> West Wight Potter Website at URL
> http://www.lesbois.com/wwpotter/
> - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
> The arrangment you describe is very convenient but has one
significant
> disadvantage: When the mainsail is raised but not filled (as it
might
> be at the dock or in a calm) the weight of the boom and any tension
on
> it from the mainsheet is borne by the leech of the sail. This can
> stretch the leech prematurely, shortening the useful life of the
sail.
>
> Adding a small block (or even just an fairlead, I suppose) at the
top of
> the mast and a small cleat at the bottom allows for an adjustable
topping
> lift which may also be left secured to the boom continually and
tightened
> or slackened as required.
>
> I've read that an adjustable topping lift can also be used to
"scandalize"
> the main by lifting the boom and spilling air under heavy wind
conditions
> but I've never tried that myself.
>
>
>
> Dave Kautz P-15 #1632
>
> ______________________________ Reply Separator
_________________________________
>
>
>
> I have always left my topping lift attached to the end of the boom when
> sailing. When the main is raised it takes the load off the topping lift,
> leaving enough slack in it (the topping lift) that it doesn't interfere
with
> the sail shape.
>
> Steve Parsons P15 #2112
> Washington,IL