lifelines

[Allen Townsend]

I have two questions on lifelines.

I put a full set of lifelines on my boat when I got it some time ago.   By that I mean the lifelines are complete around the boat with a bow pulpit and side rails which fasten to the deck fore and aft of the stays. I got these from Ultimate Sailboats as they were recommended for PHRF racing.  I am considering replacing at least the side rail/stantion with the more common one on U20s which ends behind the stays.  Does anyone have comments on doing this and/or a source for these parts? 

Also, I have seen people using a strap instead of the padded cover on wire for the lifelines in the cockpit.  Can anyone comment on these as an alternative?  Can you refer me to a source?

Thanks,
Allen
U20#7  Bomazeen

[Travis Gregory]

Hi Allen,

Try contacting Columbia.  I think they have a source that built the stanchions for the boats in Southern CA.  If you e-mail me I can send you Canepa's e-mail address.  I think he has the contact.

I am moving to a strap this year in hopes of improving comfort.  I looked at a couple of sources, including padded hiking straps like you see on a Melges 24.  For now I am trying 2.5 inch strap material from sailrite.  A stainless triangle ring sewed into each end.   Then lashings to the stanchions.   I think they are going tow work well and be a lot more comfortable to lean against. 

I'll post a picture when I get them installed.  They are still in the garage waiting for the boat to emerge from winter storage.

[Chuck Ballew]

Hey Travis, how did the 2.5 Sailrite strap material work for you. #58 needs new cockpit lifelines.

[Travis Gregory]

A bit behind, I have the material and I think it's going to work well.  I'll let you know after install and test.

[Chuck Ballew]

Travis, how did new lifelines work.

[Travis Gregory]

Chuck, they work great.  Much more comfortable than the previous lifelines.  Just need to figure out a good way to keep them out of the sun.  I have been putting a tarp over the cockpit. 

[Dean Nelson]

I made some new life lines for myself:  Materials: 1/2" Pex tubing, 1/4" neoprene closed cell rubber, Permatex heavy duty headliner and carpet adhesive, high quality duck tape, sunbrella cloth and Robline.  Easy to sew the Sunbrella tubes, with a small flap on each end to run the Robline through to cinch up the ends.  Cut a 3" strip of neoprene, spray the adhesive on one side and wrap diagonally around the Pex.  Cut a 4" strip of neoprene, spray adhesive on one side and wrap diagonally in the other direction.  Wrap duck tape diagonally in the opposite direction.  Cover with the Sunbrella tube.  Very happy with the result!  This life line is much better than trying to use a pool noodle core (my original attempt a couple years ago).   

[Chuck Ballew]

Guilty of taking easy way. Using pool noodles for now. Looks cheesy I know.