Downeaster Yachts.com - Topic: New Lifelines

Scott Carle on New Lifelines

Tue, 04 Oct 2011 01:22:33 -0400

Yep that is a downside.

However with a solid top rail you don't have the issue of impaling yourself on a stanchion, you also have a very solid handhold the full length, you can tie stuff off to it. etc.... lots of benefits. I think more benefit than downside. For me the question will be cost.

Jonathan Oasis on New Lifelines

Sun, 02 Oct 2011 17:54:36 -0400

Scott Carle said:

We are talking about going to solid rails instead of lifelines..

Ouch. Would not want to fall against that. I envision bruised ribs. I like the spectra on a neighbor's sailboat; strong with enough cushion to soften the inevitable blow.

timbalfour on New Lifelines

Sat, 01 Oct 2011 01:21:35 -0400

More thoughts on life lines! - A safety issue, that I was brought-up with, is to have life lines that you can get rid of in a hurry in an emergency - like getting someone back on board in a MOB situation. This could be neccessary at any position, so a gate may not work. Previously, one replaced the mini turnbuckles with lashings, which work just as well and can be cut. Now, we use Spectra or dyneema, which is as strong or stronger than s/s, no stretch after initial set-up, and ultra light. Plastic covered wire has always been a bad idea - it's amazing that one still sees it so often.

Tim - 'Pelli' DE32

Scott Carle on New Lifelines

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 14:24:53 -0400

We are talking about going to solid rails instead of lifelines.. It will depend on the cost. I hope we can do it though.. We will go to 3/4 -7/8 -1" Stainless. I will replace the existing stanchions with slightly taller ones and weld the top railing on to them. Probably mechanically attach the forward end to the lower part of the existing bow pulpit to let the jib run out over it better than it does now. I have figured it will take about 100' of tubing. Middle rail will still be stainless line. Just slightly bigger and uncoated. Or synthetic. whatever works out.

Erick on New Lifelines

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 12:50:11 -0400

Thanks for this! I will be redoing my lifelines along with the rest of the rigging. However, I am considering using synthetic line instead of SS wire. Any ideas on which way I should go?

Eclipse on New Lifelines

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 10:54:08 -0400

Stripped the (non-recommended) white plastic coating off DE38 Eclipse lifelines ... to find rust and broken strands.

Removed said lifelines, marked the hardware I wished to re-use, mailed all in a USPS $10.50 (online discount) medium Flat Rate box to: Rigging Products, Inc., 2242 NE Columbia Blvd., Portland, OR 97211 [Tel. 1 800 288 2411] who reproduced same-length replacement lifelines with 3/16" 316 stainless uncoated (1 x 19) cable re-using the hardware (turnbuckles, pelican hooks) for $224.10 ... and they fit perfectly.