This document is the owner's manual for the Topaz range of recreational sailboats and catamarans, manufactured by Topper International Ltd. It provides essential information for safe operation, maintenance, and technical specifications for various models within the Topaz range, including the Topaz Taz Race Plus, Topaz Uno Plus, Topaz Uno Race, Topaz Uno Race X, Topaz Tres, Topaz Vibe, Topaz Magno, Topaz Ranger, Topaz Argo, Topaz Omega, Topaz Fusion, Topaz Maverick, Topaz Xenon, Topaz Xenon XK1, Topaz 12, Topaz 14, and Topaz 16.
Function Description
The Topaz range of craft are recreational sailboats and catamarans designed for day-time use in coastal waters, large bays, estuaries, lakes, and rivers. They are intended for sailing, racing, or cruising in inshore or inland waters. The manual emphasizes safe operation and provides guidance on rigging, launching, sailing, capsize recovery, towing, mooring, and general maintenance. The Topaz Omega model is specifically designed to also operate with an outboard engine.
Important Technical Specifications
The manual includes two specification tables detailing key characteristics for each model:
Specification Table 1 (Design Category C):
- Craft Type: Various Topaz models (monohulls and catamarans).
- No. of Hulls: 1 (monohull) or 2 (catamaran).
- Hull Length: Ranges from 3.05 m (Topaz Taz Race Plus) to 4.81 m (Topaz Omega).
- Hull Beam: Ranges from 1.22 m (Topaz Taz Race Plus) to 2.24 m (Topaz 16, Topaz 16 CX).
- Max Load: Ranges from 155 kg (Topaz Maverick) to 581 kg (Topaz Omega).
- Min Crew Weight: Ranges from 40 kg (Topaz Taz Race Plus) to 80 kg (Topaz Omega, Topaz Xenon).
- Maximum Number of Persons: Ranges from 2 to 7 (Topaz Omega).
- Mainsail Area: Ranges from 4.39 m² (Topaz Taz Race Plus) to 10.27 m² (Topaz Omega).
- Jib Area: Ranges from 1.00 m² (Topaz Taz Race Plus) to 3.75 m² (Topaz Omega). Some models do not list a jib area.
- Spinnaker Area: Ranges from 7.00 m² (Topaz Fusion, Topaz 12 X) to 16.38 m² (Topaz Xenon). Many models do not list a spinnaker area.
- Certificate Number: HPIVS-i1203-TXXX-01-00 or similar.
Specification Table 2 (Displacement and Towing):
- Displacement (With No Load): Ranges from 40 kg (Topaz Taz Race Plus) to 160 kg (Topaz Omega).
- Displacement (With Max Load): Ranges from 200 kg (Topaz Taz Race Plus) to 741 kg (Topaz Omega).
- Max Unloaded Displacement Weight: Ranges from 40 kg (Topaz Taz Race Plus) to 160 kg (Topaz Omega).
- Fully Loaded Displacement Weight: Ranges from 200 kg (Topaz Taz Race Plus) to 741 kg (Topaz Omega).
- Towing Point Max Horizontal Load: Ranges from 1.961 kN (Topaz Taz Race Plus) to 7.267 kN (Topaz Omega).
- Tow Line Maximum Breaking Strain: Ranges from 1.569 kN (Topaz Taz Race Plus) to 5.814 kN (Topaz Omega).
Design Category: All Topaz craft are assessed for stability, buoyancy, and safety in Design Category C. This means they are designed for voyages in coastal waters, large bays, estuaries, lakes, and rivers, where conditions up to and including wind force 6 and significant wave heights up to and including 2 meters may be experienced.
Outboard Engine (Topaz Omega only):
- Maximum Power: 1.84 KW (2.5 hp).
- Engine Type: Must have an integral fuel tank without external fuel lines.
- Maximum Weight (engine and fuel): 26 kg.
Usage Features
- Safety First: The manual stresses the importance of reading and understanding all instructions, especially rigging, before sailing. It highlights the need for a competent, fit, and trained crew, wearing suitable personal flotation devices (life jacket/buoyancy aid) at all times.
- Overhead Wires: A critical warning is issued regarding checking for overhead wires and cables during rigging, launching, recovering, and sailing to avoid electric shock or death.
- Overloading: Users are warned not to overload any Topaz craft, as this can compromise safety and cause unseen structural damage. Maximum loads are specified on the builder's plate and in Table 1.
- Visibility: Forward visibility can be restricted when using spinnaker/gennaker sails, requiring the helmsman to adjust position for all-round visibility.
- Drain Plugs and Hatches: Must be secured before launching and never opened when afloat.
- Mast Floatation: While standard equipment on some models, extra mast floatation is always recommended to further reduce the risk of inversion.
- Capsize Recovery: Detailed instructions are provided for both monohull and catamaran capsize recovery, covering situations where the rig is pointing downwind or upwind. It emphasizes practicing recovery techniques in a safe environment and remaining with the boat if inverted.
- Reboarding/Man Overboard Recovery: Guidance on using deck/bow handles, righting lines, or shrouds for reboarding, with specific instructions for monohulls (reboarding from the windward side via the gunwale) and catamarans (reboarding over the front beam).
- Towing: Instructions for safely towing the craft when afloat, including securing the tow line to the mast base and ensuring the tow line's strength is adequate. It warns against towing other craft and advises slow speeds.
- Mooring and Anchoring: Topaz craft are not designed for mooring but for day-use. Anchoring instructions specify securing the anchor line around the mast base.
- Trailer Use: Only approved road trailers should be used. Instructions are given for securing both monohulls and catamarans to trailers to prevent damage during transport.
- Lifting Keel (Topaz Xenon XK1): Specific warnings apply, including never sailing with the keel raised or unlocked, ensuring the pulley system is securely attached, and regularly checking/replacing keel system ropes.
- Environmental Awareness: Users are advised to adhere to local environmental regulations and good practice codes.
Maintenance Features
- Regular Inspection: The craft should be inspected regularly, especially after any suspected damage, for wear and tear on ropes, rigging, fittings, shackles, and pins.
- Cleaning: Equipment should be cleaned frequently and thoroughly flushed with fresh water, especially stainless steel fittings after sailing in salt water to prevent rust.
- Storage:
- Craft should be stored on an approved launching trolley to prevent hull damage.
- The hull should be adequately supported to avoid sustained point loading.
- The craft should be drained and well ventilated, stored with the bow raised to allow water to drain away.
- Mast shrouds should not be left under tension when ashore or during storage.
- Sails should be rinsed with fresh water, dried before storing, and ideally stored in a dry place away from the craft to prevent mold and mildew.
- Jib sails with clear panels should be regularly checked for UV degradation and replaced if transparency is restricted.
- UV Protection: A good quality cover is recommended to reduce UV degradation of components and fittings.
- Solvents and Chemicals: Users are warned not to use solvents, chemicals, or paints on any part of the craft, as this can cause deterioration.
- Hull Punctures: If the hull is punctured, the craft should not be used until repaired.
- Drain Plugs and Hatch Covers: Must be correctly closed before setting sail.
- Rudder Attachment: Ensure the rudder stop clips over the stock and that a safety strop is attached.
- Trailer Maintenance: Trailers should be rinsed with fresh water and serviced annually.
- Modifications: Any modifications must be approved by the manufacturer to avoid endangering safety and invalidating the warranty.
- Contact Information: Manufacturer contact details (Topper International Ltd) are provided for advice, repairs, and spare parts.
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