[Rhodes22-list] Topping lift

[Steve Alm]

Robert,

That's an intriguing idea--using the topping lift/boom to hoist an injured
person or cargo.  My topping lift attaches to the boom at the tang, goes up
through the sheave at the masthead and down through a small block just aft
of the port aft lower shroud chain plate, then back through a cam cleat on
the cabin roof and led into the cockpit.  It's a 1/4" line.  As such, it
wouldn't hold much weight--especially the little block at the chain plate
would be the first to go.

But I like your idea.  Have you beefed yours up?  Is yours rigged
differently?    I don't know what a "billy" is.

Slim

On 1/20/05 10:48 PM, "Robert Skinner" <robert at squirrelhaven.com> wrote:

> Rob Lowe wrote:
>> 
>> Our 1976 Rhodes doesn't have a topping lift and I'd like to add one this
>> season.  Any suggestions?  There is an attachment point on the boom, but no
>> line.  Is this a fixed length line or adjustable?
> -------------------------------
> Rob -
> 
> In addition to the useful remarks by Bob, Mark, and Ed,
> I'd add that a topping lift of sufficient strength can
> be used in combination with the boom and a handy billy
> or re-rigged boom vang as a crane to lift heavy objects
> aboard - such as an injured person or cargo.
> 
> IMHO, a sailor should always be thinking how any piece
> of gear can be used in novel ways - as many as possible -
> so that choices of alternatives are already in mind in
> an emergency.