The last part of my Boom topping lift was a simple line looped through a shackle on the boom topping lift cable and another on the bracket attached to the end of the boom and then tied off. To remove it I had to either undo the shackle on the boom end bracket or untie it. In both cases the topping lift had to then be attached to the backstay cable and threatened to slide up and get caught in the sail. A fellow marina member and former Tanzer 22 sailor recommended I setup an adjustable topping lift. That way I could slacken the topping lift so it wasn’t doing any work, it would stay out of the way, and best of all nothing needed to be untied or unshackled.

I know there are adjustable topping lift kits available, but I happened to have an available block, and I knew I could put one together cheaper. The Clamcleat cost $17 and I think the line ran me another $5. had I needed to buy a shackle and swivel block they would have been just under $30 for the pair.

Here is what you need to assemble your own adjustable topping lift.

• Braided line
• Clamcleat with roller
• block (swivel optional)
• shackle (appropriately sized)

To create your adjustable topping lift attach the Clamcleat to the topping lift cable using the shackle. You will attach the cable to the roller end of the Clamcleat. Next attach the swivel block to the bracket on the end of the boom. Now tie your braided line to the cleat end of the Clamcleat. Next you will feed it through the swivel block and back up into the clamcleat going around the roller and then down into the cleat. Lastly trim the braided line as needed and tie a stopper knot in the end to prevent your adjustable topping lift from coming apart.

Now to harness the power of adjusting. When it is time to sail just pull the braided line free of the cleat and slacken the topping lift. You will no longer need to spend time fiddling around, a quick pull and you are done. What to hear something even better? When it’s time to use the topping lift just pull it tight and snug the line into the cleat and it’s done.

Barry if you are reading this, THANK YOU!