I have been cruising sail boats for thousands of miles from 23 to 34 ft and would not be without a topping lift. I use it for boom support at dock, supporting a boom tent, keeping the boom out of the way when dropping and flaking the main after a sail, and especially when reefing. The system I have always used is a fixed length of small diameter low stretch cord, 1/8 " Kevlar on my DS1. I set the length so it clears the roach under all sailing conditions but no longer than required. It was one of the first things I added after purchasing "Sky Pilot" last spring.
Clark