Dick Posts: 411 5 days ago

Dick Posts: 411 Recently written Thoughts on lifelines: Vinyl covered lifelines are merely one of many maritime nods to fashion and ascetics which have significant down-sides (consider the 32-foot sailboat flogged for “sleeping six”). The vinyl serves no nautical purpose: which should be a question considered of anything on a boat. Moreover, the vinyl makes difficult any sort of inspection and can hide corrosion. The covering can quickly become dirty and stained and need cosmetic attention and, depending on one’s sailing grounds, UV will sooner or later start to crack the plastic. I believe those with boats that must adhere to racing rules are required to have uncoated lifelines: a significant nod to their wisdom. Long ago I replaced these on my sailboat, Alchemy. One of the benefits was that I was able to increase lifeline strength considerably by replacing the vinyl covered lifeline with uncovered wire the same diameter as the vinyl covered wire. I also replaced the turnbuckles with lashings. Lashings allow quick and easy adjustability to the lifeline tension and are easily cut off with a handy knife to allow lowering the upper and lower lifelines to the deck and which could facilitate COB recovery. Lashings give early warning of UV deterioration and do not have the hassle of turnbuckles with their O-rings or cotter pins. For areas where vinyl covering is wished for: say where jib sheets might rub/chafe, one can fit plastic shroud covers that are split for easy installation. Bare wire is also far less visibly noticeable which I appreciate. My best, Dick Stevenson, s/v Alchemy -- Dick Stevenson, s/v Alchemy

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