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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

General Sailing Forum

Riggin jack-lines

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JB
Navigator

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USA
116 Posts

Initially Posted - 06/09/2016 : 05:36:49

I've got a Catalina 25 with a pop-top. I'm exploring options to rig jack-lines. The easiest would be between the mooring cleats on either side but I'd prefer along the center line. The pop-top doesn't have any good tie points and I'm not sure it's good idea to tether to it anyway. I could add a U-bolt in the cockpit.

How do others rig their jack-lines?

1988 C25 Wing Keel Std Rig Tohatsu 9.9 Tiller Steering and 2003 C250 Wing Keel Std Rig Inboard Diesel Wheel Steering

Steve Milby
Past Commodore

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5913 Posts

Response Posted - 06/09/2016 : 06:24:06

I use the bow and stern cleats to rig jacklines on my C&C 35. If you terminate one on the centerline somewhere in the cockpit, it is likely to create a tripping hazard, and it will also obstruct passage through the companionway. If you have one on either side of the boat, and make a habit of using the one on the high side to go forward, then, if you fall, the tether will prevent you from going off the boat and into the water.

But, it always bears mentioning that a C25 is designed to sail inland lakes and bays. Sailing it in conditions that require jacklines is pushing its limits. In those conditions, you really shouldn't be outside the cockpit. If there's a problem, either heave to or take down the sails. In either case, the boat's motion will settle down and the boat will stop excessive heeling. If your halyards aren't led to the cockpit, then that's another good reason not to sail in those conditions, because you can't take down the sails without leaving the relative safety of the cockpit.

I was crewing on a friend's 36' CS Merlin last night in 30 kt winds with a storm jib and double-reefed main, and all we needed to do is luff the sails to get her to stand upright, but I'd have hated to be on a 25' boat in those conditions. In the gusts, the Merlin would be nearly winch-down to the water. We all wore pfd's of course.

Steve Milby J/24 "Captiva Wind"
previously C&C 35, Cal 25, C25 TR/FK, C22
Past Commodore

Davy J
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1511 Posts

Response Posted - 06/09/2016 : 06:45:04

quote:
Sailing it in conditions that require jacklines is pushing its limits.

I'll agree with this, however, if you will be single handing, jacklines are an added safety feature even on a lake.

I never got around to installing them on my C25. My plan was to install folding D-rings at the base of the companionway on each side. Then run over the cabin top to the forward mooring cleats.

I never got to try out the idea, but I thought if I mounted them that way I would be able to enter the cabin without having to clip or unclip.

Davy J

2005 Gemini 105Mc
PO 1987 C25 #5509 SR/SK
Tampa Bay

jerlim
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1484 Posts

Response Posted - 06/13/2016 : 14:02:10

There are two excellent points in the above that are worthy to repeat;
- The C5 was not built for conditions requiring a jackline and harness.
- There are no good locations to install jacklines.

Having said that, there are times when single handing, that it is necessary to leave the cockpit in less that be-calmed conditions. On those occasions, I tether around secure elements - the mast, the boom (if sensible) the backstay, the furler. I have also tied an eye into the middle of the tether, this allows a little more resultant length to the tether, when compared to clipping right back to the harness rings.

Jerry

Edited by - jerlim on 06/13/2016 14:04:15

Voyager
Master Marine Consultant

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5453 Posts

Response Posted - 06/16/2016 : 06:22:02

Why not run the lines along the stanchions starting at the bow pulpit leg through the center stanchion base by the shrouds then back to the stern pulpit, with one on starboard and the other on port? If you let them lie loose enough they shouldn't be a trip hazard. While I haven't done it myself, it doesn't sound like a bad idea. Who makes a good harness?

Here in Southern Connecticut and SE Massachusetts there has been a rash of boating mishaps with fatalities in the past two weeks. Kayaks, stand up paddle boarders and rubber rafts getting caught by 20-40kt winds being blown off shore and sailors and power boaters falling out of the boat and ending up swimming for a while...

Imagine yourself going out singlehandedly, walking up on the bow to unjam a sheet or fender, then oops! ending up in the drink and there went the boat, sailing away to parts unknown!

First reaction would be "damn!, how could I have let this happen", then "where's my handheld VHF?", then "holy crap, it's getting cold and dark", then ...

Bruce Ross
Passage ~ SR-FK ~ C25 #5032

Port Captain � Milford, CT

Steve Milby
Past Commodore

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USA
5913 Posts

Response Posted - 06/16/2016 : 08:00:43

I wouldn't trust a lifeline stanchion to be a secure attachment point. I had one snapped off at the base by an elderly man boarding my boat, and saw one ripped out of the fiberglass deck when a friend tied a spring line to one on his boat.

Rather than buy a harness, I use a Mustang automatic inflatable pfd with a built-in harness and hydrostatic inflator. You don't have to wear both a harness and a pfd. One serves both purposes. The hydrostatic inflator only has to be serviced every 5 years, instead of two years at about $38.00 each. I just checked Defender, and they're selling them for $259. If you use it for 5 years, you're dollars ahead to buy the hydrostatic model.

If you're sailing alone, where other boats are scarce, you should be clipped to a jackline whenever you leave the safety of the cockpit, even in calm conditions. If you trip or fall overboard in calm conditions in a moment of unbalance, and the boat sails on, the consequences are just as bad as if there's a raging storm.

Steve Milby J/24 "Captiva Wind"
previously C&C 35, Cal 25, C25 TR/FK, C22
Past Commodore

Edited by - Steve Milby on 06/16/2016 08:05:24

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Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
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.