There are three options for ways to set up a topping lift for the main boom.

1. The topping lift is fastened to the end of the boom with a snap hook and then goes to a block at the top of the mast and then down to a cleat near the bottom of the mast.

2. The topping lift starts at the top of the mast and goes to a block at the back of the boom and then forward to a cleat on the boom.

3. The topping lift starts at the top of the mast and is fastened to the end of the boom. The length is adjusted so the topping lift is just snug when the sail is up and trimmed in tight. This is the simplest system and is you want to raise the boom when the sail is not up you just wrap the line around the boom a couple of times.