Topper 49050 User manual
2.
OWNERS MANUAL
www.toppersailboats.com
From Sail Number 49050
1.
INDEX INTRODUCTION ADDRESS OF MANUFACTURER
CRAFT IDENTIFICATION
NUMBER (CIN)
BUILDER'S PLATE SYMBOLS
Congratulations on becoming the owner of a Topper
sailboat. The Topper is a proven design success story
and we are sure that you will enjoy many years of
trouble-free and exciting sailing.
This manual applies to Toppers with sail numbers from
49050. It contains important safety information which
should be read and understood before sailing the
boat.
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
familiarise yourself with the craft before using it.
have arranged for new Topper owners to receive FREE
membership of the INTERNATIONAL TOPPER CLASS
at the back of this Owner’s Manual.
any spare parts and accessories you may need. Your
International Topper Class Secretary will be pleased to
advise you on all aspects of Topper ownership.
you obtain handling and operating experience before
assuming control of the sailboat. The Topper Class
Association will be pleased to advise you of local
This owner’s manual is not a detailed maintenance or
refer to the manufacturer. Always use trained and
PLEASE KEEP THIS MANUAL SAFELY AND HAND IT
OVER TO THE NEW OWNER/KEEPER SHOULD YOU
NOT OWN/KEEP THE TOPPER.
For further information (or to order spare parts and
accessories) please contact:
Topper International Ltd
Kingsnorth Technology Park
Ashford
Kent TN23 6LN
United Kingdom
email inf[email protected]om
website www.toppersailboats.com
the starboard side of the transom.
The Builder’s Plate is located in the deck cockpit
of the boat. It.details information on the Design
the Maximum Load and the CE/UKCA marks. The Sail
Number is also detailed on the Builders Plate.
Introduction
Address of Manufacturer
Craft Identication Number
Builder's Plate Symbols
Design Category
Important Safety Information
Sail Numbers & Leering
Control Lines
Assembling Your Topper
Mast and Sail
Rigging
The Rudder and Daggerboard
Adjusting the Sail
Maintenance
Warranty
Declarations of Conformity
Topper Class Association
2
2
6
39
43
63
65
69
73
Serial (Sail) Number:
Warning:
Max. number of persons:
Read Manual:
Max. load including persons:
Risk of Capsize:
Overhead Cables:
2. 3.
This sailboat has been assessed for stability and
buoyancy in Design Category C.
CATEGORY C – Craft designed for voyages in coastal
conditions up to and including wind force 6 and
may be experienced.
The TOPPER sailboat complies with this design
• Satisfactory maintenance of the boat and
equipment.
Users of the boat are advised that:
• All crew should receive suitable training.
• The boat 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 (typically the deck).
Please read the important safety information and
read the manual. The safety information must be
fully understood before sailing the boat.
GENERAL WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
• The Topper is intended for daytime use only.
• The owner/operator is responsible for the safety
of those on board.
WARNING:
launching and recovering. The mast goes up a long
way and shock or death could result if it comes in
contact with overhead wires. Always check when
moving the boat around and raising the mast. Keep
clear of any overhead wires and cables.
WARNING: Forward visibility can be restricted using
some sails. Extreme care is necessary to prevent
collisions. The helms-person should adjust their
position as necessary to ensure all round visibility. It
may be necessary to modify the trim of the sail.
WARNING: The drain plug must be secured in the
closed condition before launching and must not be
CAUTION:
on any part of the Topper including removable parts.
Deterioration in the craft durability and strength can
occur if this is not adhered to.
CAUTION: Keep the Topper away from extreme heat.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
BEFORE YOU GO SAILING
DESIGN CATEGORY IMPORTANT SAFETY
INFORMATION
•
clothing and safety equipment for the conditions
and time of year.
• The crew should be familiar with the use of all
safety equipment and emergency manoeuvring
• Always wear an approved buoyancy aid or
•
the relevant national regulations.
• A sailor’s safety knife should be carried on board.
• All loose equipment on board should be secured.
• Ensure that the rudder is secured by the clip on
the transom.
• Make sure a third party knows where you are
sailing and how many there are of you. If possible
other boat on the water in the vicinity.
• Check the weather forecast and take the sea
conditions into account when sailing.
• Ensure that the anticipated wind and sea
conditions will not exceed those stated for Design
includes the hazards of a freak wave or gust which
are potentially dangerous conditions where only
maintained boat can satisfactorily operate.
• Check the time of high and low tides if applicable.
• Seek advice of local conditions if sailing in a new
area.
• Never sail beyond your ability or that of your crew.
• Ensure that you and your crew can cope with any
changes forecast in the weather conditions.
• Understand and be competent in the sailing skills
• Always check the condition of your craft before
especially after any suspected damage. Ensure
that the hull is free of water and the drain plug is
properly sealed.
• Always maintain your Topper properly and take
into account the deterioration that will occur over
time and as a result of heavy use or misuse.
•
of recreational craft. Transportation may also be
subject to local regulations.
•
environmental regulations and please respect all
relevant codes of good practice.
•
hatch bins is a sealed buoyancy compartment
and consequently the following points should be
noted:
• Do not puncture the buoyancy compartment.
• Should the buoyancy compartment become
boat until the compartment is repaired.
•
Ensure that all fastenings are resealed properly
using an appropriate sealant.
CAR TOPPING
Always refer to the car manufacturer instructions
for carrying loads on the roof.
The Topper is designed to be car topped on a two bar
and ensure that the front bar supports the boat
immediately behind the aft end of the foredeck.
Always secure the straps or ropes around the bars.
Ensure that both the bow and the stern are tied down
tightly to the car’s bumpers or a strong point. The
spars can be carried alongside the boat. If you have
upside down hull of the Topper or packed down
in the boot.
4. 5.
TRAILING
WARNING: When trailing your Topper you should only
use an approved trolley and road trailer. Transporting
your Topper may be subject to local regulations.
Securing the boat to its trailer is crucial because too
Follow the instructions below for safe trailing:
•
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
• Tie the boat down to the trailer at the bow and
across the middle.
•
the boat in contact with the trolley supports.
• Use padded material where any straps or ratchet
touch the hull or deck.
• It is also a good idea to tie the boat down when it
is left in the dinghy park to prevent any damage to
your boat in the event of strong winds.
ANCHORING AND MOORING
The Topper is a day boat and not designed to be
moored or anchored.
OUTBOARD ENGINE
The Topper is not designed for use with an
outboard engine.
CAPSIZE RECOVERY
The mainsheet should be uncleated and made sure
that it will run freely when the boat is righted. The
vang/kicker should be eased to de-power the top of
the mainsail. If the boat 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.
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.
RIG POINTING DOWNWIND:
Climb onto the daggerboard and pull the boat slowly
upright using the mainsheet. When the boat gets to
45 degrees one of the crew should climb in. As the
boat continues to right take the tiller so that as the
boat returns to its normal orientation you are under
control of the boat as soon as possible. Once you are
get sailing again.
RIG POINTING UPWIND:
This is quite often the position the boat ends up in.
Climb onto the daggerboard and as you begin to right
help you right it. Depending on the wind strength the
the faster you will have to move. As the mast leaves
to the windward side to prevent the boat capsizing
again.
simply climb over onto the daggerboard and follow the
procedure for the rig pointing downwind.
• Conform to the sailing rules of the road as well
as any local requirements.
• 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 water and wind conditions.
STABILITY AND BUOYANCY
The minimum crew weight required for righting the
Topper: 30 kgs.
The Topper has been fully assessed for stability and
buoyancy.
This is to ensure the boat can be righted by the crew
even in light conditions.
It is therefore essential that you should familiarise
kind of safety patrol to assist should you get into
MAN OVERBOARD PREVENTION
AND RECOVERY:
There are the areas covered with non-slip coating to
help prevent man overboard situations and assist in
surface and outer edge of the side deck.
The toe straps can also be used to assist recovery
from a man overboard.
It is advisable to re-board the boat from the windward
side when climbing aboard via the gunwale.
TOWING AFLOAT
Should it become necessary to tow the Topper you
should secure the towing line around the base
of the mast.
Raise the daggerboard and stay at the tiller. In the
event of the loss of the rudder sit well aft.
The painter supplied with the Topper is not suitable
for towing and the bow is not a recommended
tow point.
CAUTION: The tow line used should be of a suitable
length and diameter for the conditions and the
duration of the tow being undertaken. It is the owner/
operator’s responsibility to ensure that any line used
for towing is adequate for the intended use and
strength of the towing point.
The maximum recommended strength of a towing
line is 2.01kN.
CAUTION: Do not tow other craft.
CAUTION:
for the conditions.
GROUNDING
After grounding thoroughly inspect the hull for
the daggerboard.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
ON THE WATER
6. 7.
most important to apply the self-adhesive numbers to
the sail.The sail numbers are exclusive to the boat and
correspond with the serial number/sail number plate.
These are always located inside the bo
to the toe strap.
Follow these instructions carefully it is not a job to be
hurried. In our experience the best way to stick the
backing paper slowly as you push the number onto
the sail.
IF IN DOUBT - PLEASE ASK
SAIL NUMBERS
(please note all measurements are minimums)
• Should be placed on both sides of the sail
with the numbers on the starboard side
being above the ones on the port side.
• They should be placed two panels
below the Top Hat logo.
• The height of the numbers should be 230mm.
• The numbers are supplied as ‘digital eights’
• from which you can produce your
own sail number.
•
‘digital eights’ is shown below.
• There should be 45mm between
each element of the complete number.
• The numbers should be in a
contrasting colour to the white sailcloth.
STARBOARD SIDE
• The upper edge of the numbers should be
placed 45mmfrom the upper seam of
that panel.
• They should start 45mm from the
back of the sail.
PORT SIDE
• The upper edge of the port numbers should
be 45mm below the starboard side numbers.
•
back of the sail.
SAIL NUMBERS & LETTERING
GBR SAIL LETTERING
• Should be placed on both sides of the sail
•
being above the ones on the port side.
• They should be placed in the panel beneath
the Top Hat logo.
•
•
as clear as helvetica.
• There should be 45mm between each element
•
as the sail numbers.
STARBOARD SIDE
•
45mm from the upper seam of that panel.
• They should start 45mm from the
back of the sail.
PORT SIDE
•
below the ones on the starboard side.
•
back of the sail.
GBR SAIL LETTERING
8. 9.
CHAMPIONSHIP SAIL NUMBERS
• (please note all measurements are minimums)
• Should be placed on both sides of the sail
with the numbers on the starboard side
being above the ones on the port side.
• The height of the numbers should be 230mm.
• The numbers are supplied as ‘digital eights’
• from which you can produce your
own sail number.
•
from ‘digital eights’ is shown previously.
• The outside corners should be
snipped as shown.
• There should be 45mm between each
element of the complete number.
• Both sets of numbers should be in the
• The numbers should be in a contrasting
colour to the sailcloth.
STARBOARD SIDE
• The start of the number should be placed
45mm from the leech of the sail.
• The upper edge of the number should be
45mm from the upper seam of the panel.
PORT SIDE
•
of the numbers should be 45mm from the
lower edge of the starboard numbers.
•
20mm from the reinforcement patch.
CHAMPIONSHIP SAIL NUMBERS
4.2 - SAIL NUMBERS
(please note all measurements are minimums)
• Should be placed on both sides of the sail
with the numbers on the starboard side being
above the ones on the port side.
• They should be placed in the panel beneath
the Top Hat logo
• The height of the numbers should be 230mm.
• They may be pre-formed numbers or ‘Digital Eights’.
•
as shown previously.
• There should be 45mm between each
element of the complete number.
• The numbers should be in a contrasting colour
to the white sailcloth.
STARBOARD SIDE
• The upper edge of the numbers should be placed
45mm from the upper seam of that panel.
• They should start 45mm from the back of the sail.
PORT SIDE
• The upper edge of the port numbers should
be 45mm below the starboard side numbers.
•
4.2 - GBR SAIL LETTERING
• Should be placed on both sides of the sail
above the ones on the port side.
• They should be placed in the panel beneath
the sail numbers.
•
•
at least as clear as Helvetica
• There should be 45mm between each
•
the sail numbers.
STARBOARD SIDE
•
45mm from the upper seam of that panel
• They should start 45mm from the back of the sail.
PORT SIDE
•
below the ones on starboard.
•
of the sail.
4.2 SAIL NUMBERS
10. 11.
OUTHAUL
TRAVELLER
DOWNHAUL
KICKER
PAINTER
TOE STRAP SHOCKCORD
A
B
C
D
E
F
CONTROL LINES
4:1 RACE OUTHAUL
MYLAR BOOM SLEEVE
RACE TRAVELLER
6:1 DOWNHAUL
RACE KICKER
MAINSHEET
PAINTER
DAGGERBOARD SHOCKCORD
TOE STRAP SHOCKCORD
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
RACE CONTROL LINES
12. 13.
3
Slot the two sections together...
2
make some parts of Rigging
your Topper easier. A suitable
International as an accessory.
Slide the Upper Mast into
the lower mast section.
Align the two red arrows
printed on the metal.
ASSEMBLING THE MAST
1
So that the arrows line up.
MYLAR BOOM SLEEVE
RED BOBBLES (x2)
KARABINER (18mm BLOCK)
SHACKLE
OUTHAUL LINE & HANDLE
FLY BLOCK (18mm)
HARKEN FIXED BLOCK (x2)
DYNEEMA & FLY BLOCK (2m)
DYNEEMA & FLY BLOCK (52 cm)
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
BOOM FITTING KIT ASSEMBLING YOUR TOPPER
BLOCK DYNEEMA (END)
BLOCK DYNEEMA (FRONT)
J
K
14. 15.
1
Unfold or unroll the sail.
SLEEVING THE SAIL
2
Lay the sail on the ground
top of the mast and insert
the mast in the sleeve.
3
Push the mast into the sail.
4
2
Lift the mast upright with
the sail rolled around it.
1
Point the boat into the
wind and open the mast
gate (by pulling the cord
on the port side).
STEPPING THE MAST
Continue until the whole
sail is sleeved and the
masthead has appeared
through the top of the sail.
The webbing strap should be
held between the two tabs
on the top of the mast.
16. 17.
3
Insert the mast at a 45
base of the mast into the
4
Walk the mast forward...
5
6
Into an upright position...
underneath the mast gate.
7
Pull the cord on the starboard
side to close the gate.
8
9
Tie a loop in the starboard
rope as a backup in case
the toggle comes out
(to prevent the mast gate opening).
Push the starboard toggle
18. 19.
2
Push the boom down until the
1
Place the clip on the mast
above the plastic lip.
FITTING THE BOOM
2
Lead the rope around a karabiner
(or straight through the clew
cringle) and then back …
4
just beyond the metal kicking
strap ring. You can tie a loop
in the end of the line to make
applying tension easier.
3
to the inner hole on the top
1
A basic outhaul consists of a line
of rope (here red and yellow). Tie
an overhand stopper knot and
then thread the rope forward
through the top outer hole on
RIGGING STANDARD OUTHAUL
20. 21.
2
the upper part of the boom end
3
forward along the boom
4
lead the outhaul line (grey)
through it below the boom; the
outhaul shockcord (black) does
not pass through the mylar strop.
1
boom using the hook provided
(rope or a clew strap can also be
the hook at one end (or through
the cringle at the clew) and a
outhaul shockcord (black) from
RIGGING RACE OUTHAUL
5
Terminate the outhaul
shockcord (black) on the boom
mainsheet block strap.
6
Terminate the outhaul line(grey)
thread the outhaul control line
(red) through the pulley.
7
Fix the standing end of the
outhaul control line (red) on the
kicking strap ring by threading
a loop through the ring and
placing the bobble at the end
of the line through that loop.
8
Pull tight.
22. 23.
9
Thread the working end of the
outhaul control line (red) is
through the outhaul cleat on
10
Then thread the working end of
the outhaul control line (red)
to the front of the boom.
11
Hang the outhaul control line
(red) loose from the boom
ideally inside a plastic tube.
2
Tie a bowline in one end and
then thread the line through
bowline and onto the cleat.
3
Thread the line through the
cleat. You can tie a loop in
the end of the line to make
applying tension easier.
1
A basic traveller consists of a single
line of rope (here orange) threaded
through the stern eyelets.
RIGGING STANDARD TRAVELLER
1
Start with the provided line
- grey dyneema with a metal
eye spliced part way along.
RIGGING RACE TRAVELLER
24. 25.
2
Thread the longer end through
one of the deck eyes on the
stern in a backwards direction.
4
Followed by the second deck
eye in a forwards direction.
3
the lower mainsheet pulley.
5
Tie an overhand knot at
the end of the line.
6
Now tie another overhand knot
around the original line (before
the metal eye) to form a triangle.
8
end through the cleat on the
stern bulkhead and around
the wheel of the cleat.
7
Push this overhand knot
towards the stern to make the
around 5cm between the tip of
the triangle and the stern.
9
Pull the traveller through
the cleat and take it back to
thread through the metal eye
spliced into the traveller.
26. 27.
10
on the stern of the bulkhead again.
12
Feed the end through a
11
Pull tight.
13
And tie a rope loop in the end to
make applying tension easier.
3
the karabiner which is clipped to
the mast. The other rope is tied to
the cleat so tension can be applied.
2
One rope is tied to the top of the
cleat and goes up and around
karabiner which is clipped to
the fabric loop on the sail.
1
A basic downhaul consists of
two karabiners with pulleys
(here grey) with a cam cleat.
RIGGING STANDARD DOWNHAUL
28. 29.
3
onto the metal ring near
the base of the mast.
2
Clip the top karabiner of
the downhaul (the karibiner
grey dyneema) onto the fabic
loop on the tack of the sail.
4
After the downhaul has passed
through the cleat there is a
rope handle (in a plastic tube)
which can rest on the deck.
1
The race downhaul as supplied
RIGGING RACE DOWNHAUL
3
is clipped to the metal loop at
rope runs around the smaller
and then back round the lower
pulley and through the cleat.
2
The top pulley and karabiner is
clipped to the metal kicking strap
1
A basic kicking strap consists
of two pulleys (one a double
pulley with a clam cleat)
a line of rope (here red).
RIGGING STANDARD KICKER
30. 31.
3
to the cleat of the kicking
strap to the metal ring close
to the base of the mast.
2
strap to the ring on the boom using
4
After the kicking strap has passed
through the cleat there is a
rope handle (in a plastic tube)
which can rest on the deck .
1
The race kicking strap as supplied.
RIGGING RACE KICKER
3
is important to ensure that
the mainsheet is threaded
in the correct direction. Pull
the mainsheet to ensure that
the block clicks when the
mainsheet is pulled in.
2
Thread one end of the mainsheet
through the cockpit pulley and tie
4
Thread the other end through
the pulley on the boom above
the cockpit pulley and beside
the top kicking strap pulley so
it is going towards the stern.
1
The mainsheet as supplied.
RIGGING MAINSHEET
32. 33.
7
Take the end of the mainsheet
to the stern and thread it though
again going to the stern.
6
Next thread the mainsheet
through the pulley at the end of
5
Then thread the mainsheet
through the mylar strop
on the boom.
8
Now take the sheet back up to
the end of the boom and pass it
the top pulley to the boom.
10
Tie a second overhand knot
around the mainsheet before it
passed through the shackle.
9
Tie an overhand knot in
the end of the sheet.
11
This prevents the end of the
34. 35.
3
The long end is the painter -
feed this back to the mast.
2
Tie a bowline in the short end
to form a loop - the shockcord
4
And secure it with a shockcord
loop around the mast.
1
Pass the painter through the hole
of about 60cm above the hole.
Tie an overhand knot either side
of the deck / hole to keep the
painter secured in this position.
RIGGING PAINTER
3
length of shockcord.
2
The central and side toestraps
should be held up and out at
has to be done by the owner.
4
An overhand knot should be tied
in one end of the shockcord.
1
The front of the central toestraps
are held up by being tied to
RIGGING STERN TOESTRAP ELASTIC
36. 37.
7
Tie another overhand knot with
the tail around the shockcord that
has been threaded through.
6
Pull the shockcord through till
nearly at the overhand knot.
5
through the loop the rope is
tied to in one side toestrap.
8
shockcord through a similar
loop in the central toestrap.
11
Pull the shockcord through.
10
Thread the shockcord through the
9
shockcord back through the
base of the traveller cleat.
12
Thread the shockcord through
the other side toestrap.
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