Genoa vs. Life Lines

[Josh]

I sailed the boat a few weeks back, maybe the last time looking at the weather we are having, and the winds were practically calm. I had a sea breeze from the temp diffrences, and it was enough to sail around with. I put up the 150% jib first, but found that the foot of it would drag or get hung up on the life lines. The working jib doesnt do this, but I think if I used the whisker pole it would. Am I doing something wrong or is this just the way it's supposed to be? Kind of seems like poor design, and I'm thinking of removing the lifelines. It seems that they would be of little use if I slipped unless I put netting on them. Their strength is of questionable value as well. I'm afraid someone will grab on them for a hand hold or some such and pull the stanchion out! I just don't like how they get in the way of everything, and I dont think theyd keep me from falling overboard to tell you the truth....Anyways, whats everyones thoughts? Am I doing something wrong or does everyone have these getting in the way?Josh

 

[Justin - O'day Owners' Web]

Lifelines

Josh -It is a fairly common to have your genny drape over your life lines. Mine does whenever I sail to windward. I find it a fair compromise to have maximum available sail area. I would not remove the lifelines. Mine have kept me on the boat several times. While they're not perfect - you could go under them on my boat since I'm not netted - they're better than nothing. If you're unsure of their strength, rebed the stantions and install bigger backing blocks. Justin - O'day Owners' Web

 

[Josh]

Harnesses

Actually, I was thinking about going with a harness, because it is a lot more reliable then the lifelines. A good deal lighter too Id wager. I have a large amount of stainless steel, and will cut this to create covers for the holes. I'll keep everything, in the event I'd sell it at a later date.I like the idea of a harness much better, because if I DO go off, Im still teathered to the boat! Hmm...I can probably even use the one I use for climbing poles at work...haha.Doesn't it cause problems with Genoa riding over the life lines like that? I'm not so worried about the sail area as much as I am about damage to the sail. What amount of chafe does it get from rubbing back and forth under load?Anyone out there use a harness?Josh

 

[J. Folds]

Keep em

If you sail by yourself alot I would keep them. If you are concerned about their strength you can replace them. Mine come in handy alot when I have to get up to the bow in rough weather. The Geona does chafe on them, but don't use my geona very much and when I do it is in light air on a whisker pole. Even with a harness life lines are a nice place to clip on to.