What is this mystery line?
- Thread starter nightowle
- Start date
It is a really bad idea that was once employed as a tether for a harness. The bad idea was there was no way to easily release the tether from the harness if you were being dragged along side the boat. Also, the carabiner could snag on the pad eye and inadvertently open rendering the tether useless.
Modern tethers have a quick release shackle at the harness end and a double action clip at the pad eye/jack line end.
I used to have one, never used it.
Modern tethers have a quick release shackle at the harness end and a double action clip at the pad eye/jack line end.
I used to have one, never used it.
Makes sense as there is also a harness that is onboard. Only thing we don't have is a jack line. I suppose it could be used to tether the helmsman to the binnacle.
Possible - but seems like a heavy line for that. I suppose it could be adaptable for that purpose.
Not useable for a tether.
- Non-locking clip.
- Clip with high snag potential on rope or webbing (that style has teeth in the gate latch).
- No release at the other end. This can be acceptable for fixed point tethers (binnacle, mast, winch station, or foredeck). Some people prefer work station tethers to jacklines, and there is a case to made for it (sailors don't fall off when moving carefully between stations, they fall off when working on something).
- Strength and stretch not known.
- Probably considerably older than it looks.
I have something similar I use to secure the spin halyard away from the mast to stop the slapping. One end is attached to the hand rail, the other to the halyard. Works well.
tether is my guess as well. Does not meet current standards: look for kong single tether or double-tether. Racing I prefer the single for simplicity. Cruising, having a 2nd to clip around obstacles is nice, and the added bulk on your person becomes less cumbersome in that setting.
We approach tethers from a different perspective, the tethers always stay attached to the boat and we clip in as we move about the cockpit. There are 2 tethers for the helm and one just outside the companionway. The cockpit is small and any of the tethers can be reached from the other tether.
A double tether stays attached to the jack line which allows easy movement along the sidedeck. At the mast there is ¼" Dyneema loop to which the short tether is attached. This keeps the crew within about 2 feet of the mast. The loop gives the crew some freedom to move around the mast without getting restrained by the tether.
jssailem
SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
- Oct 22, 2014
- 22,161
It may have been used as a tether, but it was not safe.
@thinwater illustrates a proper tether clip.
You could use it to secure the outboard so that as you lower it, it does not fall into the sea.
You might secure a small dog in the cockpit. The St Bernard or Mastiff would likely break it.
@thinwater illustrates a proper tether clip.
You could use it to secure the outboard so that as you lower it, it does not fall into the sea.
You might secure a small dog in the cockpit. The St Bernard or Mastiff would likely break it.
I don't know, but if I found it on my boat I'd probably try to use it as an anchor snubber.
The previous owner no doubt had a harness. It was probably integral to a life vest and was taken to the next boat or passed on to someone else.
While the safety line pictured was poorly designed, the new ones are suspect as well.
At least according to an article I read online.
Don't fall overboard!
While the safety line pictured was poorly designed, the new ones are suspect as well.
At least according to an article I read online.
Don't fall overboard!
I like the idea of using it for our dog. We have a 10-month-old Whippet now; she's a good boat dog. We use her leash at the moment but this may be better. I can change out the tether clip as Thinwater recommended.
Meet Layla, the sailing doggo -
jssailem
SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
- Oct 22, 2014
- 22,161
I suspect the line will be strong enough. You need a solid clip to attach it to the dog's harness. The Kong Clip may be over engineered for this purpose. I'd use one of the new-styled body harnesses.
Our Aussie has not yet been on the boat. She is only 37 lbs but filled with energy and a dislike for deep water. A 6-inch-deep mud puddle, preferably one that turns her white fur black/brown, has been her go-to desire.
Our Aussie has not yet been on the boat. She is only 37 lbs but filled with energy and a dislike for deep water. A 6-inch-deep mud puddle, preferably one that turns her white fur black/brown, has been her go-to desire.
I had a whippetx she was a great dog and stupid fast. I clocked her running down the street jumping drainage ditches, trees, bushes and whatnot in people's yard at 30 mph. Also very protective of the family and definitely the Alpha dog in the neighborhood even the neighbor's 80 lb golden lab.
