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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

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Life Lines

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hewebb
Admiral

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USA
761 Posts

Initially Posted - 12/16/2012 : 04:35:36

Before I decided to replace my life lines I had thought if using a vinyl tube to slide over the existing line. The existing ones were a ugly dirty, cracked mess. I have completed the installation of new life lines and was experimenting with the old ones for a cover removal process. I ended up with a heat gun on high and a utility knife to remove it. What I discovered was a rusted/corroded stainless steel cable under the PVC cover. Where the cover was missing it looked great but the cracks in the cover apparently let in water. I was glad I decided to replace them.

1988 WK/SR w/inboard diesel Joe Pool Lake
Hobie 18 Lake Worth

Life is not a dress rehearsal. You will not get another chance.

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britinusa
Web Editor

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USA
5404 Posts

Response Posted - 12/16/2012 : 13:23:35

Howard, do you think the lines were originals (ie. 24 years old) ??

Paul

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PZell
Admiral

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USA
548 Posts

Response Posted - 12/16/2012 : 14:30:36

Before I saved up to replace my lifelines, I covered them with the flexible plastic tube thingy that you string electric wires through. It has the tube slit so wires can be pressed in. At least they looked nice until I got around to doing it properly.

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awetmore
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1144 Posts

Response Posted - 12/16/2012 : 19:43:07

Some offshore racing regulations no longer allow covered lifelines because they do allow and hide that corrosion. The current recommendation appears to be for bare stainless.

I replaced the lifelines on my new boat with AmSteel synthetic line. The splices are very easy (much easier than with double braid line) and it went quickly. It's cheaper to install and the gates operate more nicely too. AmSteel doesn't last as long (the recommended replacement schedule is 5) years instead of 10 years, but it's fast enough to replace and the material is cheap enough that you still come out ahead.

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hewebb
Admiral

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USA
761 Posts

Response Posted - 12/17/2012 : 03:53:39

<blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"> Posted - 12/16/2012 : 13:23:35 Howard, do you think the lines were originals (ie. 24 years old) ??

Paul<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></font id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

I would guess that they were because of the condition, However, the boat was in saltwater for some of its previous life.

Howard

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NautiC25
Admiral

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USA
957 Posts

Response Posted - 12/17/2012 : 06:05:04

Replaced mine with Amsteel. It uses less fittings, is much lighter, and can be replaced easily. The brummel splice is very easy to do.

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redviking
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1771 Posts

Response Posted - 12/19/2012 : 13:25:40

If it were me, and it has been, go oversized stainless and Sta-Lok fittings.

Sten

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Stinkpotter
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
9089 Posts

Response Posted - 12/19/2012 : 16:09:11

I found a similar mess under some tight, vinyl covers some PO put on the shrouds. I recommend against that on stainless steel cable.

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OLarryR
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3478 Posts

Response Posted - 12/19/2012 : 21:14:08

I just had Atlantic Riggers out of Annapolis change out my standing rigging. I asked for an opinion regarding the lifelines and the rigger indicated they advise all to just use bare SS cabling with no vinyl covering (due to potential for corrosion issues).

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hillerji
1st Mate

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USA
37 Posts

Response Posted - 05/08/2013 : 16:48:56

To the amsteel camp for replacing lifelines, how did you size the amsteel? I haven't used it so I'm not familiar with the available sizes and what would be appropriate for the lifelines..

Tx,

JH

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awetmore
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1144 Posts

Response Posted - 05/08/2013 : 17:57:17

Amsteel strength is very similar to stainless strength in the same size. I used 1/4" (the largest that fit through my stanchions) for my upper lifeline which is stronger than the old stainless wire, more comfortable when being leaned on, and easy to work with. I used 3/16" for the lower.

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The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.