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Lifelines

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Roamer
Deckhand

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USA
21 Posts

Initially Posted - 10/19/2021 : 13:03:49

I have a 1984 Cat 25 with original vinyl covered lifelines. I have read that vinyl covering is considered undesirable because the vinyl can hide deterioration of the wire and fittings. I found that I can cut off the vinyl without scoring the wire underneath. If the wire and fittings show no rust, are the lifelines safe to continue to use?

fadeaway: 1984 TR/FK Trad

bigelowp
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1773 Posts

Response Posted - 10/19/2021 : 15:13:20

I would think if the wire, and swaging to fittings show no visible sign of rust/corrosion then the lifelines should be ok. The real issue is a careful inspection including the fittings, which is often the weak link. If you are sailing on salt water I would be surprised if there is no visible rust/corrosion. If you are sailing in fresh water it is possible and you may be lucky!

Peter Bigelow
C-25 TR/FK #2092 Limerick
Rowayton, Ct
Port Captain: Rowayton/Norwalk/Darien CT

Steve Milby
Past Commodore

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USA
5895 Posts

Response Posted - 10/19/2021 : 15:40:52

Move around every boat as if it doesn't have lifelines. Grip a grabrail or a shroud, and rely on that rather than a lifeline. Wear a harness and tether in rough conditions. I only fell overboard once, about 45 years ago, and reached for the lifeline and missed. Thinking before you move and making sure you have a good grip and solid footing is far more useful than lifelines. Many boats I've sailed didn't have lifelines. I'm not suggesting that you not maintain your existing lifelines, but you'll be much safer if you rely on good practices rather than lifelines.

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

Voyager
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
5352 Posts

Response Posted - 10/19/2021 : 16:03:37

Steve, I agree wholeheartedly that lifelines should not be your sole safety item, and good handholds and a harness are your best safety, but a solid lifeline is �one more chance� of protection as you�re going over. It�s also much closer to the deck, so if you can stop yourself there instead of at the end of a tether, there�s a lot less of a wrenching force and less possible resulting injury.
It�s never fun falling overboard but you must always consider the real possibility and be sure you�ve got a plan.
I�m among those who�ve gone over (at the dock thankfully), and I�m pretty sure I�m not alone in that.

Bruce Ross
Passage ~ SR-FK ~ C25 #5032

Port Captain � Milford, CT

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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.