Rory,
I use a whisker pole with my 175, but don't need a topping lift, In fact,  
even though I mounted an eye on the front of the mast, I usually just attach it  
to one of the stays near the bottom. It makes it easier to deploy than  
having to go forward. I can usually set it this way from inside the cabin. I  have 
made some marks with a magic marker so I know how far out to adjust the  pole, 
depending on sail placement and windage.
 
Rummy



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