Help Boom Attachment

[sclidde]

I have an 1980 CP16. It is in good shape and I am new to this site (just joined). I am in the process of re painting the inside of the old girl and have a question.

My Boom attaches to the mast with a triangle type of hardware. It slides into the mass like the main sail. I see photographs of other peoples CP16s and they have their main sail down resting on the boom. Whenever I let the main sail down, the boom goes down (to the companion way) with the sail. Is there something I am missing, a part or is this how it is suppose to be. I would like to be able to let the main sail drape over the boom when it is down and still have the boom off the deck and out of the way? Any help appreciated.

[Jenni]

Usually there is a "topping lift" to hold the boom straight when the sail is lowered. It is a line that typicaly runs from the top of the mast to the back of your boom.

[tsmwebb]

Depending on the type of track/slot you have one of these might help: http://www.sailrite.com/Categories?search=stop.

--Tom.

[sclidde]

What is a topping lift and where does it attach?? Any photographs? I am visual?

[tsmwebb]

What is a topping lift and where does it attach?? Any photographs? I am visual?

It goes from the top of the mast to the aft end of the boom. Here's a sorry sketch -- hope it helps:
http://forums.sbo.sailboatowners.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=24692&stc=1&d=1246926528

--Tom.