H216 Lifelines

[Paul Wash]

We are considering installing lifelines on our H216 this year. Actually we have been considering this for the past 3 years. First and foremost is the safety factor - between our kids and the "older" folks it seems to make good sense. Secondly, we are going to start racing this year and it is strongly advised to have them. You are able to race with PFDs alone, however, if you get permission from the race committee. Thirdly, we can relatively safely sit on the rail and bow. Fourthly, it gives the wife another way to claim that I'm "pimping" my ride...lol.

My only concern is the foredeck/bow and the jib interaction. The jib is not high so the lifelines may affect the performance of the jib when off the wind. Although the a-sail usually comes up in these situations.

Does anyone have any thought on why or why not to do the lifelines? Any experience or knowledge that will come in handy on the installation?


Thanks in advance...
Paul.

 

[cephius (Dave)]

On every boat I've sailed with a bow pulpit the jib has rubbed on the rails.

The solution I used for the Catalina 22 was to raise the jib tack a foot with an extension cable. That had an additional benefit of adding visibility to leeward.

That's not a solution when racing where you want the jib close to the deck. I think its just the price we pay for having lifelines.

 

[Ken Prichard]

Angle the lifeline from the top of the forward stanchion to the base of the pulpit. It's done on a lot of boats, mine included.

 

[Paul Wash]

Thanks for the feedback. The missing link for me is the bow pulpit. The bow is packed tight with the bow sprit installation and the furling drum. But, I can probably strategically place the pulpit supports further back than I'm thinking to avoid conflict with the existing hardware. Obviously a custom job that may cost me a pretty penny. Unfortunately, I don't weld so I will have to consult an expert.

I'm going down this weekend to complete a few other projects and I'll scope out the bow layout and see if I can come up with a poa. I think the lifelines will be mostly easy but the pulpit will present some challenges and require creativity.

 

[cephius (Dave)]

Incorporate

Paul,
Since you are going to fabricate a bow pulpit specific to your boat, why not incorporate all your needs into the hardware.

Here's how Hunter designed our bow. The "U" shape holds the mast when on the trailer. Ignore the hardware I added for the Aspin.

 

[Paul Wash]

Re: Incorporate

That's pretty cool. Wonder if I could leverage that same approach and use the front hardware where the furling drum is attached. There are a few extra slots that may be able to support the front of the pulpit. Thanks!