topping lift

I am rigging a topping lift for a spinnaker pole on a Hunter 28.5. The turning block will have to be on the outside of the mast using a eyestrap and block. How far up the mast should should the block be mounted?

[Ian McColgin]

For most poles on a boat this size, you can manage a lift angle of as low as 45 degrees. Many poles in this size boats have a bridle causing the lift to be essentially from the center of the pole, so the lift would be atleast one half pole length above the highest point of the mast end of the pole.

That lift angle may not be suitable for your crew's strength. Before you do too much, get your least gorilla-like crew member to test out some leads. Lot's of ways to improv this, but rig up something temporary and be sure your crew can actually lift the pole as likely needed, including from a well dipped position as you might have after a gybe or during a set. If it's too hard, make the lead higher.

You probably have a mast track for the pole so remember that the block needs to be the right height above the higest the pole will be set.

You'll need at least twice the height if you're rigged with the lift to the end of the pole and you gybe by dipping.

G'luck

Ian