Topper Topaz UNO PLUS User manual

www.toppersailboats.com
TOPAZ RANGE
OWNERS MANUAL
TOPAZ TAZ . TOPAZ UNO PLUS . TOPAZ UNO RACE . TOPAZ UNO RACE X . TOPAZ TRES
TOPAZ VIBE . TOPAZ XENON . TOPAZ MAGNO . TOPAZ ARGO . TOPAZ OMEGA
TOPAZ 12 . TOPAZ 14 . TOPAZ 16

INDEX
Introduction 1
Address of Manufacturer 1
Watercraft Identification Number (WIN) 1
CE Builders Plate 1
Declaration of Conformity 2
Design Category 2
Important Safety Information 3-5
Maintenance & Service 6
Symbols 6
INTRODUCTION
This document contains important safety information
which should be read and understood before moving
on to the Rigging Instructions.
The manual has been compiled to help you to operate
your boat safely and get the most out of your sailing.
It contains details of the craft; the equipment supplied
or fitted, its systems and information on its operation
and maintenance. Please read it carefully, and familiarise
yourself with the craft before using it.
If this is your first sailboat, or you are changing to a new type
of sailboat you are not familiar with, for your own comfort
and safety, please ensure that you obtain handling and
operating experience before assuming control of the sailboat.
Topper International Ltd, your dealer or National sailing
federation or yacht club will be pleased to advise you of local
sea schools, or competent instructors.
PLEASE KEEP THIS MANUAL IN A SECURE PLACE
AND HAND IT OVER TO THE NEW OWNER WHEN
YOU SELL THE CRAFT.
ADDRESS OF MANUFACTURER
For further information, spares and accessories.
Please contact:
Topper International Ltd
Kingsnorth Technology Park
Wotton Road
Ashford
Kent TN23 6LN
Telephone [phone]
Fax [phone]
email [email protected]
website www.toppersailboats.com
WATERCRAFT IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
(WIN)
The Water Identification Number (WIN) is engraved on the hull
at the starboard side of the transom. On catamarans it is on
both hulls.
CE BUILDERS PLATE
The Sail number is detailed on the CE Builders Plate
which is located in the deck cockpit of the boat. The CE plate
also contains information on the Design Category, the Builder,
the Maximum number of crew, the Maximum load and the CE
number of the Notified Body assessing the boat.
1
TOPAZ RANGE
OWNERS MANUAL

DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY



Craft manufacturer: Topper International Ltd.,
Kingsnorth Technology Park, Wotton Road, Ashford,
Kent TN23 6LN, United Kingdom.
Module used for design/construction assessment: A1
Notified Body used for assessment: HPi Verification Services,
The Manor House, Howbery Park, Wallingford OX10 8BA,
United Kingdom.

Watercraft Identification Number: GB-TOPZ - - - - - - - -
Brand name of craft: Topaz
Monohull model variants:
Taz, Topaz, Magno, Vibe, Xenon, Omega, Argo
Type of craft: Sailboat
Type of hull: Decked Monohull
Type of Propulsion: Sail
Construction Material: Rotationally moulded 3 ply polyethylene
Recreation Craft Design Category: C
Multihull model variants: Topaz 12, Topaz 14, Topaz 16
(and ‘CX’ versions, as appropriate)
Type of craft: Catamaran
Type of hull: Twin Hull
Type of Propulsion: Sail
Construction Material: Rotationally moulded 3 ply polyethylene
Recreation Craft Design Category: C
Length Beam Max Displacement Max
Hull Hull Load Weight No. of
Persons
TAZ 3.05m 1.22m 160kg 40kg 2
TOPAZ 3.86m 1.42m 170kg 60kg 2
VIBE 3.76m 1.66m 230kg 80kg 3
XENON 4.55m 2.00m 305kg 140kg 4
MAGNO 3.94m 1.60m 225kg 95kg 3
ARGO 4.40m 1.85m 325kg 110kg 4
OMEGA 4.81m 2.00m 581kg 160kg 7
TOPAZ 12 3.65m 1.78m 185kg 85kg 2
TOPAZ 14 4.25m 2.05m 228kg 110kg 3
TOPAZ 16 4.72m 2.24m 315kg 140kg 4
This declaration of conformity is issued under the sole
responsibility of the manufacturer. I declare on behalf
of the manufacturer that the recreational craft detailed above
fulfils the requirements specified in Article 4 (1) and Annex 1
of Directive 2013/53/EU.
Name and function: Martin J Fry (Managing Director)
Signature:
Date and place of issue:
01 September 2017
Ashford, Kent, United Kingdom.

EN ISO 8666:2002
Small craft - Principal data (ISO 8666:2002)
EN ISO 12217-3:2015
Small craft - Stability and buoyancy assessment
and categorization
- Part 3: Boats of hull length less than 6 m (ISO 12217-3:2015)
EN ISO 14946:2001
Small craft - Maximum load capacity (ISO 14946:2001)
EN ISO 14946:2001/AC:2005
DESIGN CATEGORY
This boat has been assessed for stability and buoyancy
by the RYA (Royal Yachting Association) and has been
certified by HPi Verification Services as a Notified Body
in Design Category C.
CATEGORY C – Craft designed for voyages in coastal waters,
large bays, estuaries, lakes and rivers, where conditions up to
and including wind force 6 and significant wave heights up to
and including 2 metres may be experienced.
The TOPAZ range of craft comply with this design
category, subject to:
- The crew having suitable skill and experience.
- Satisfactory maintenance of the craft and
its equipment.
Users of the craft are advised that:
- All crew should receive suitable training.
- The craft shall not carry more than the maximum load.
- Any water in the hull should be kept to a minimum.
- Stability is reduced by any weight added above the
centre of buoyancy.
2

Please read the important safety information and read
the manual before sailing the boat.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
BEFORE YOU GO SAILING
• DANGER! Check for overhead cables when rigging,
launching and recovering (you should also check for
overhead cables when sailing). The mast sticks up a long
way and shock or death could result if it comes in contact
with overhead wires. So look up when moving the craft
around or even stepping the mast and give any wires a
wide berth.
• Check you are wearing suitable clothing and safety
equipment for the conditions and time of year.
• Always wear an approved buoyancy aid or lifejacket.
• A sailor’s safety knife should be carried on board.
• Make sure a third party knows where you are sailing
and how many there are of you. If possible when sailing
at a club, ensure there is at least one other boat on the
water in the vicinity.
• Check the weather forecast.
• Check the time of high and low tides if applicable.
• Seek advice of local conditions if sailing in a new area.
• Always check the condition of your craft before setting
off and tighten shroud shackles with pliers. Ensure that
the hull is free of water and the drain plug is properly
sealed. Ensure that any hatches are correctly fitted and
have a good seal.
The Topaz range of craft are equipped with one or more sealed
buoyancy compartments. The buoyancy compartment is
formed by the hull moulding and consequently the following
points should be noted:
- Do not puncture the buoyancy compartment.
- Should the buoyancy compartment become punctured do not
use the craft until the compartment is repaired.
- Should a hatch not be closed correctly do not use the craft
until the hatches are fitted correctly.
You may have to replace fittings from time to time. Ensure
that all fastenings are resealed properly using an appropriate
sealant.

When trailing your Topaz craft you should only use an approved
road trailer. Tying down the craft to its trailer is important
because too much or too little tension could result in damage.
Follow the instructions below for safe trailing:

- Ensure the boat is located correctly on the trolley,
with the gunwale supports up under the gunwales
and the bow located in the bow snubber of the trolley.
- Ensure the trolley is properly located on the road base
and the retaining pin is fitted.
- Tie the boat down to the trailer at the bow and across
the middle. You only need to apply sufficient tension to hold
the boat in contact with the trolley supports. Use padded
material where any straps touch the deck.

- Ensure the catamaran is properly located on the road trailer
and that the boat is balanced correctly. Make sure that the
catamaran is not too far forward otherwise it may come into
contact with the side of your car as you turn corners.
- Tie the catamaran down to the trailer by using two straps
across the width of the hulls using the eyelets on the frame
of the trailer. You only need to applysufficient tension to hold
the catamaran in contact with the trailer. Use padded material
where any straps touch the deck.
3
IMPORTANT
SAFETY INFORMATION

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
ON THE WATER
• DANGER! Check for overhead cables when rigging,
launching and recovering (you should also check for
overhead cables when sailing). The mast sticks up a long
way and shock or death could result if it comes in contact
with overhead wires. So look up when moving the craft
around or even stepping the mast and give any wires
a wide berth.
• Conform to the sailing rules of the road.
• Look out for changing weather conditions.
• Never sail beyond your ability or that of your crew.
Ensure that you and your crew can cope with any
changes in the wind conditions.
• Understand and be competent in the sailing skills
and righting techniques.

The Topaz range of craft have been independently assessed
for stability and buoyancy by the RYA.
The RYA have assessed that the boat can be righted
by the crew and will subsequently float.
The stability and buoyancy have been certified by an EU
Notified Body, HPi Verification Services.

The Topaz range of craft are particularly stable, but a capsize
is always a possibility, even when used with care and even
in light conditions. It is therefore essential that you should
familiarise yourself and practice capsize recovery when
you first sail the boat, ideally in an area where there is some
kind of safety patrol to assist you should you get into difficulty.
Minimum crew weight required for righting:
TAZ 40kgs
TOPAZ 50kgs
VIBE 65kgs
XENON 80kgs
MAGNO 70kgs
ARGO 60kgs
OMEGA 80kgs
TOPAZ 12 60kgs
TOPAZ 14 70kgs
TOPAZ 16 75kgs

The mainsheet should be uncleated and make sure that it will
run freely when the boat is righted.
The gnav/kicker should be eased to de-power the top
of the mainsail.
If the craft inverts it should be pulled onto its side so that
the rig is horizontal to the water. It sometimes helps to pull
it up with the aid of the wind blowing over the deck and rig.
If your boat has an asymmetric spinnaker and it was up when
the craft capsized, it should be lowered into the chute by a
member of the crew.
Then there are two basic situations to recover from:
- When the rig is lying in the water, pointing downwind.
- When the rig is lying in the water, pointing upwind.

Climb onto the daggerboard and pull the boat slowly upright
using the mainsheet or asymmetric sheet if applicable.
As the craft gets to 45 degrees one of the crew should climb
on. As the boat continues to right take the tiller so that as
the boat returns to its normal orientation you are in control
of the boat as soon as possible. Once you are in control,
you can sort yourself out, tidy the craft and get sailing again.

This is quite often the position the boat ends up in.
Climb onto the daggerboard/ centreboard. As you begin to right
the boat, the wind will blow under the mainsail and help you
right it. Depending on the wind strength the boat will right at
different rates. If the wind is strong the faster you will have to
move. As the mast leaves the water, one of you should climb
aboard and get to the windward side to prevent the boat
capsizing again. Should the boat capsize again to the other
side, simply climb over on to the daggerboard and follow
the procedure for the rig pointing downwind.
In case of difficulty, always remain with your boat. Never be
tempted to leave your boat to go to the shore. Wait for rescue


The boats are equipped with a combination of deck and bow
handles on the Taz and Topaz, or righting lines on the Vibe,
Xenon, Magno, Argo and Omega. These, or the shrouds,
can be used to assist recovery of a man overboard
or a reboarding of the boat. The transom of the boats
are also open to allow easy reboarding.
It is advisable to reboard the boat from the windward side
when climbing aboard via the gunwale.
4

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
ON THE WATER (continued)

The mainsheet should be uncleated and make sure that it will
run freely when the catamaran is righted.
Ensure that the tiller extension is facing outward over the back
of the catamaran.
If your catamaran has an asymmetric spinnaker and it was up
when the craft capsized, it should be lowered into the chute by
a member of the crew.
Then there are two basic situations to recover from:
- When the rig is lying in the water, pointing downwind.
- When the rig is lying in the water, pointing upwind.

Climb onto the leeward hull and pull the catamaran slowly
upright using the jib sheets. As the craft rights one of the crew
should climb over the front beam of the catamaran (as opposed
to the back of the catamaran) onto the trampoline to ensure
that the craft does not sail away minus the crew. Then take
the tiller so that you are in control of the craft as soon as
possible. Once you are in control, you can sort yourself out,
tidy the craft and get sailing again.

This is quite often the position the craft ends up in.
Climb onto the leeward hull and then move towards the rear
of the catamaran As you begin to right the catamaran, the wind
will blow under the mainsail and help you right it. Depending
on the wind strength the catamaran will right at different rates.
If the wind is strong the faster you will have to move. As the
mast leaves the water, one of you should climb aboard and get
to the windward side to prevent the catamaran capsizing again.
Should the catamaran capsize again to the other side, simply
follow the procedure for the rig pointing downwind.
In case of difficulty, always remain with your craft. Never be
tempted to leave your craft to go to the shore. Wait for rescue.


The catamaran are equipped with a safety line which runs down
the centre of the trampoline from the front beam to the rear
beam. This, or the shrouds, can be used to assist in reboarding
the catamaran.
One of the crew should reboard over the front beam
of the catamaran (as opposed to the back of the catamaran)
onto the trampoline to ensure that the craft can not sail away
minus the crew.
The remaining crew can be recovered via the rear of the craft
being the lowest area to the water or from the side with the aid
of the shrouds.

Should it become necessary to tow any of the Topaz craft you
should secure the towing line around the base of the mast.
Raise the daggerboard/ centreboard (if fitted) and stay at the
tiller. In the event of the loss of the rudder sit well aft.

The Topaz range of craft are not normally required to anchor/
moor, as they are day boats for racing or cruising in inshore
or inland waters.

The Topaz range of craft are not normally designed for use
with an outboard engine. The exception is the Topaz OMEGA
which has an outboard bracket available as an option,
and a forward locker to stow and fix the outboard engine out
of the sailing area of the boat when not in use. An outboard
engine may only be used on the OMEGA in conjunction with
the specific outboard bracket supplied by Topper International.
The maximum horsepower of any outboard engine suitable for
the Topaz OMEGA is 2.5hp. The maximum weight of the engine
and any fuel in the tank is 26kg. These engines have an inbuilt
fuel tank and therefore there are no fuel lines. It is important
that you purchase any outboard engine from an authorised
engine dealer and pay particular attention to the safety
warnings in the owners manual supplied with any engine.
5

TN23 6LN
t
6
MAINTENANCE & SERVICE
If your mast has shrouds do not leave the rig under tension
when not sailing or during storage. If rig tension is over
tightened or left on when not sailing damage may occur.
Your boat should only be used with the propriety launching
trolley. The use of any other trolley may damage the hull
and invalidate your warranty.
Care must be taken to support the hull adequately if the boat is
not stored on the correct launching trolley. Any sustained point
loading could permanently dent or distort the hull.
Any repairs to the hull should be undertaken by qualified
personnel with the relevant skills and equipment.
Contact Topper International for advice.
UV light may cause fading to some components and fittings,
a good quality cover is recommended to reduce UV
degradation.
Keep the equipment clean by frequently and thoroughly
flushing with fresh water. The stainless steel fittings will also
bleed with a rust colour if not rinsed off after sailing at sea.
Excess water should be removed from the hull and any cavities.
Keep your craft drained and well ventilated. Ensure the craft
is stored with the bow raised to allow water to drain away.
Before you set sail ensure that the transom drain plug has
been correctly closed. Also, if hatch covers are fitted check
they have been closed properly.
Make sure that when you attach the rudder that the rudder stop
clips over the stock. Sometimes a safety strop is attached from
the craft to the rudder stock.
Salt water will deteriorate your sail and the stitching if the sail
is not rinsed in fresh water after sailing. Sails should be dried
before storing.
Ideally we would recommend that you should store sails
in a convenient dry place away from the craft. If you have
to store sails in the craft ensure that a good cover is used
and that it prevents any water coming into contact with the
sails. Sails will be subject to mould and mildew if left in water.
Ropes, rigging and fittings should be checked at regular
intervals for wear and tear.
Inspect shackles, pins and fittings regularly. Tape up fittings
that may snag with sails, ropes or crew.
Damaged or worn parts should be replaced.
Trailers should be rinsed with fresh water and checked
at regular intervals. It is recommended that the trailer
be serviced annually.
It is also a good idea to tie the craft down when itis left
in the dinghy park to prevent any damage in the event
of strong winds.

Contact Topper International or your dealer who will provide
the best advice.

Contact Topper International or your dealer about any
modifications. Please remember any modifications
may endanger your safety and invalidate
your warranty.
SYMBOLS
SN Serial Number
Max Max. number of persons
Max Max. load including persons
Max Max. weight of outboard engine
Warning
Read Manual
Risk of Capsize
Overhead Cables

For further information (or to order spare parts and accessories), please contact:





TOPAZ RANGE OWNERS MANUAL PART No. P61 ISSUE 5/ 2017
www.toppersailboats.com
TOPAZ RANGE
OWNERS MANUAL