I replaced the main Topping Lift (TL) with Spectra. Yes, a solid vang -- no TL at all -- is probably better, but I'm used to the old ways. And keeping the two grand.
The factory TL is vinyl coated 3/16th stainless wire, more or less. Very robust. The wire tail that runs through the boom-end sheave had meat hooks, so the rigger said to make that Spectra, too. We also replaced the 3/8th rope tails.
I tend to adjust the topping lift a lot--reefing, removing slop and adjusting height of boom in the slip. That requires climbing on the cabin house to the cleat on the boom. Why not lead it back to the cockpit? Good idea.
However, the gooseneck has only three sheaves, two for reef lines and one, currently, for the outhaul.
I figured: just switch the outhaul to the old topping lift boom cleat.
Then use the old outhaul sheave for the topping lift, and lead the topping lift back for ease of adjustment.
But wait--that means an additional deck organizer sheave, too. And I don't have line clutch available for it, either.
So, no dice. I'll live with it as it is. That's a good feeling.