Hunter 42 Owner Modifications and Upgrades

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Topping Lift Alternative

posted 11-16-2014 by Terry Cox 11/2014

In order to vacate one of the sheet stoppers for a spinnaker halyard I changed the working end of the topping lift from the cockpit to the end of the boom. The bitter end stays at the mast cleat.

Purchased two blocks from a local marine exchange outfit for $30 total. One has a cam cleat. Much lower cost than trying to expand the deck organizer and add a sheet stopper.

This new arrangement works great. Easy to release or engage from the cockpit. Two SS carabiners secure the block to the end of the boom.

One important tip, raise the main first before releasing the topping lift and trim the topping lift first before lowering the main. Otherwise, there is a risk of tangling the topping lift halyard with the main halyard. In our case the tangle occurred at the mast head sheaves. Had to hire a monkey to break them free.

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