Hunter 31 1984 Life lInes

[Glenn2002]

Our top starboard lifeline broke the other day when we were attempting to close it. It snapped near the gate at the stern.
The metal part that the cable attaches to snapped in half right at the stanchion. There are small holes drilled through all 4 of them at that point and it snapped through the hole. The cable didn't snap.
Question is, does anyone know where to get these replaced? Can you get a replacement? Nothing in Sailboat Owners.
Would like to replace it so it looks the same as the other three.
Thanks

 

[Ralph Johnstone]

Doesn't sound like the garden variety of lifelines. Any chance for a picture to get things going ?

 

[jssailem]

Fisheries in Seattle has an assortment of lifeline fittings.
Perhaps you can identify the one you have.

https://www.fisheriessupply.com/browse?terms=lifeline%20swage

Lifeline fittings are not an Hunter 31 unique. Of all the boats in the harbors in BC, many not hunters also have lifelines. They use a swaged fitting secured to a stainless cable (the better swaged are machine made, but there are boats that have a DIY manual swage). If you sail on a dangerous sea, I trust my life too machine swaged lifelines.

I have not seen one that has holes. I see no reason to weaken the fitting. The material is stainless but it is not forever. The reason for yearly inspection and occasional replacement as due all metal that is taken to sea.

There are chandleries like Fisheries who will construct a lifeline to your required length and ship it to you. Or I am confident that you might find a service in Vancouver that could provide the hardware and service you need.

Take a picture and post it here. Or look at the Fisheries sight and look for a similar one.

Best of luck. Better that the life line broke in port, before you needed it.

 

[Glenn2002]

I realized I hadn't taken any pics, but definitely will and post them. I didn't realize they weren't unique to the boat and year. Thanks for the info will get pics and return and check out fisheries supply.

 

[jssailem]

Glenn they were specific to the boat when it was first splashed.
That was then and this is now. Lot of improvements have occurred. All about safety and affordability.

You can get hardware that lets you use dyneema as you lifeline. Up here in the PacificNW, I prefer stainless wire of a diameter that has a good feel when I grab it and pull my feet to the deck as I move along the deck.

Some like the look of plastic covered wire. But that comes with a risk. If you race not permitted. Looks pretty for a while, eventually the plastic cracks and rust attacks the wire. The life line is no longer safe.

 

[Glenn2002]

Thanks for your responses, they have been helpful. I have now sourced a supplier who can get me what I need a three hour drive away!

 

[Ralph Johnstone]

Is that located in Vancouver ?

Care to share the name as I'm going to be in the market for new lines in another year or so ?

 

[Glenn2002]

Is that located in Vancouver ?

Care to share the name as I'm going to be in the market for new lines in another year or so ?

No, its in Sidney or Victoria. I am not taking it down, a friend knows where to take it and is doing it all for me. I will find out where and post it for you though. We arent getting a new line just a new fitting swaged on.

 

[Ralph Johnstone]

I know I had all of the lifelines replaced about 12 years ago on this 22 YO boat and the cost was staggering. They are once again looking ratty as it appears to be pollen in spring that causes all of the pock marks on the vinyl. Time to go SS only.

I'm thinking about looking at on line operations to see if they're any cheaper.

 

[Hello Below]

'm thinking about looking at on line operations to see if they're any cheaper.

Cheaper???
You mean a little less expensive right?

 

[Ralph Johnstone]

Cheaper???
You mean a little less expensive right?

It's all relative !