I'm interested in turning some new, miscut rigging into lifelines. The flagship WM store has some tools in store for customer use. What should I expect if I bring in my rigging? What are the capabilities? Any potential unexpected rules or policies?
DIY Rigging @ West Marine
- Thread starter Project_Mayhem
- Start date
Our local store has a crimper for public use - which surprises me due to liability. Particularly with lifelines. If I remember, it is for Nicropress type swages which some might argue are not suitable for lifelines. Definitely not for standing rigging. I think most folks make pendents and such there.
Professional swages on real hardware are clean, don't snag hands, clothing or sails. And the liability rests with the professional rigger. They are insured for that - or should be.
If you dismiss the liability issue consider the story of William F. Buckley, who chartered his sailboat for a cocktail cruise. A guest fell overboard and drowned. In court it was blamed on the lifeline installation.
Professional swages on real hardware are clean, don't snag hands, clothing or sails. And the liability rests with the professional rigger. They are insured for that - or should be.
If you dismiss the liability issue consider the story of William F. Buckley, who chartered his sailboat for a cocktail cruise. A guest fell overboard and drowned. In court it was blamed on the lifeline installation.
It doesn't look like they have fittings that will fit my 5/32" rigging and I doubt they'd be too happy about me not buying anything if I used their crimper
Why don't boats ever use aluminum ferrules? Lack of strength?
Why don't boats ever use aluminum ferrules? Lack of strength?
For one Aluminum is lower strength and it is also very incompatible with SS.
Have you considered using swageless fittings like Sta-Lok? Do it yourself and not terribly difficult.
I replaced the vinyl coated lifelines on our 2007 H41AC with 3/16" bare stainless using Quick-Attach fittings.
Suncor Quick Attach Fittings
Suncor Quick Attach Fittings