Adding a Lifeline Gate?

[Gary A.]

The existing gates in the lifelines on our Hunter 34 are between the aft-most stanchions and the stern rail and are useless at our dock. Gates located near the midpoint would be much more useful. Has anyone added a lifeline gate at this point on their boat? What is needed? Do I need to add stanchions or just pelican hooks to allow the entire length between existing stanchions to be lowered? Any advice on this would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Gary

 

[Ed]

I redid mine the regular way, but ...

I could have placed the side-gates nearly anywhere from just aft of the bow-rail to forward of the stern-rail. The only concern I would have is the individual stachions are not reinforced. However, neither is the stanchion just forward of the stern-rail used as part of the cockpit gate. :^(I would recommend locking-eyes and pelican-hooks, similar to the arrangement you currently have. You'll also probably need an additional turnbuckle, since each length of line will need to be adjustable, especially when the gate is open.~ Happy sals to you ~ _/) ~

 

[Pete Peterson]

Brace

I haven't done it, but in addition to the lifeline hooks you should at least add braces to your existing stanchions on either side of the gate, so that you can maintain tension on the remaining lifelines when the gate is open. I think West Marine sells them.

 

[Gary A.]

Lifeline Size?

OK, I think I'm getting an idea of what I'll need to do this task ... but I'd like to order the parts and my boat is three hours away. Does anyone know what size the lifelines on a 1983 Hunter 34 would be?Thanks, Gary

 

[Andy Howard]

That's a Trick Question

Hi Gary,Hope all is well with You, Victoria, and her little Secret!Did this 2 years ago, I "think" original size was 1/8" wire with 3/16" coating. When I replaced old lines I upgraded to 3/16 wire and 5/16 coating. I bought studs seperately so I could recycle the old pelican hooks and fittings.I added pelican hooks at the bow and in an attempt to economize I used the round gate stops in place of interlocking gate eyes. The gate stops are OK for infrequent use, but are a poor compromise. BTW- if your going hand swage, your welcome to borrow my swager.