MacGregorSailors.com

Recently acquired my 26M and just splashed in this week. Am sorting and adjusting rigging and find I do not have Topping Lift nor Boom Vang. Reviewed owners manual and does not mention a Topping Lift, and Boom Vang was an 'option'.
Anyone with a 26M acquire without these and do you sail without a Topping Lift or Boom Vang. If so can you give me a hint on Topping Lift. Note: no backstay on 26M. Now that Mac is in water, did not want to lower mast if possible. Only thing I can think of is previous owner rested boom on dodger or bimini when sail was down. PO is not available to answer my question. I can sail without Boom Vang but I would think topping lift is a must.
Searched through a number of threads but couldn't find this specifically.
Apologies if experienced users have this topic posted, but I haven't found it so far.
Tillerb

In my eye a topoping lift is a must.
So install some blocks an gibe a line there an lead it back to the cockpit.

Is the halyard already lead to the cockpit?

The boom vang is easy to hock in. I wohld watch blue water yachts for that. You can trim the sail better.

But topping is a real need in my eyes.

Hi welcome aboard

The toppin lift is only a line 3/16" Dia. line 31' long low stretch line go to any marine store & buy some, don,t buy cheap line from a hardware store it,ll only last a yr if u r lucky , on top of the mast u,ll see a eye becket strap hoist or just a 1/4" bolt sticking out near the top of the mast tie the line onto that & tie the other end onto the end boom cleat most guys make a loop about 18"-24" from the bottom end of the line so as u only have to lift the boom up & hook the looped line onto the boom cleat, but that depend on how high ur Bimini is or how tall u r ?. the topping lift must b loose at all times while sailing otherwise u won,t b able to adjust the mainsail leech with ur mainsheet vang & boom vang

as for ur Boom vang u can buy one from BWY
https://shop.bwyachts.com/product-p/3301-1m0.htm

or use ur old original mainsheet vang for a boom vang , then up-grade to a ball bearing mainsheet vang !, these guys make quality equipment I,ve bought all kinds of stuff from them I replaced all my Jib/Genny cars with ball bearing units & halyard pulleys & blocks all ball bearing from these guys , but if u can buy something else cheaper locally with ball bearings ur choice a hint tho if u replace & up grade ur mainsheet vang don,t buy one of those nice shiny S/S one,s on a sunny they they will reflect the suns rays into ur eyes blinding u & eventually giving u a headache go either gray or better black foe no reflection
https://www.garhauermarine.com/shop/page/2/
if u don,t already have a boom bale on the boom u will also have to buy one unless u buy one from BWY, the holes r already predrilled in the boom for u

If u have women crewing ur boat they will appreciate a ball bearing mainsheet vang

J

On previous sailboats I've always had a topping lift and boom vang. I started to think 26M had a secret that didn't require a topping lift or boom vang. Took advice so far and have picked up line and hardware today for topping lift. Will search for a reasonable $ boom vang. I have a local contact here in Ontario that has a large selection of used sail blocks and pulleys.
Now need low wind day to drop mast and set up topping lift.

Thanks all for your advice. Gives me a chance to adjust side stays as well. PO I think primarily used his Mac as power boat and did little sailing.
Bob

My topping lift is a simple line run from the top of the mast to the boom with 2 clips. One clip up high to get the boom high and away from banging people's heads, and a lower clip for holding the boom until the main is hoisted (shown here).



Vang? I don't have one or felt the need. It's easy enough to add.

Vang? We don' need no stinkin' vang ...

Russ wrote: ↑Fri May 20, 2022 8:20 pm My topping lift is a simple line run from the top of the mast to the boom with 2 clips. One clip up high to get the boom high and away from banging people's heads, and a lower clip for holding the boom until the main is hoisted (shown here).



Vang? I don't have one or felt the need. It's easy enough to add.

dlandersson wrote: ↑Sat May 21, 2022 5:11 am Vang? We don' need no sti kin' vang ...

Russ wrote: ↑Fri May 20, 2022 8:20 pm My topping lift is a simple line run from the top of the mast to the boom with 2 clips. One clip up high to get the boom high and away from banging people's heads, and a lower clip for holding the boom until the main is hoisted (shown here).



Vang? I don't have one or felt the need. It's easy enough to add.

Ah must b river or pond sailor's

J