Does anyone have any advice in how to replace the white vinyl covering on the life lines? On my 87' C30 the covering is discolored and cracking and looks like #%&*. Won't clean up with any thing that I have tried. This has always been a fresh water boat and I'm assuming the stainless cables are in good shape. Thanks for any input.
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I tried to clean mine....
but after about 4 hours of frustration I thought maybe I could replace the PVC outside with new PVC. After another morning in the workshop chipping off the old PVC, while completing about 2 feet(out of about 80-100 ft on my C27), I decided to just trash all the lifelines. I found a local industtrial cable company that replaced the original 1x19 SS 3/16" covered lifelines with 7x19 covered, for a total of a little over $200, including swages and terminals at the ends, but re-using my pelican hooks. (less than 1/2 the cost of West Marine). It would have taken me over 100 hours to chip off hte old stuff, and thent incur the cost of new cable covers. Your time is worth something...
but after about 4 hours of frustration I thought maybe I could replace the PVC outside with new PVC. After another morning in the workshop chipping off the old PVC, while completing about 2 feet(out of about 80-100 ft on my C27), I decided to just trash all the lifelines. I found a local industtrial cable company that replaced the original 1x19 SS 3/16" covered lifelines with 7x19 covered, for a total of a little over $200, including swages and terminals at the ends, but re-using my pelican hooks. (less than 1/2 the cost of West Marine). It would have taken me over 100 hours to chip off hte old stuff, and thent incur the cost of new cable covers. Your time is worth something...
This website's forum archives are
A great place to look. A search on lifelines finds the link. Happy reading. Stu
A great place to look. A search on lifelines finds the link. Happy reading. Stu
Spray Paint
Actually, I had the exact problem. The actualy cable seemed fine, but hte coating was dirty and cracked. I didn't want to spend the cash for a cosmetic fix, so I used that new Krylon Fusion Spray Paint and painted the lifelines white. They say the paint "bonds at the molecular level" and so far it still looks sharp and it cost me 10 bucks for two cans of it. Be sure to mask off the stanchions. After the paint was dry, I used a Teflon Marine Wax on the lifelines to help any water/dirt wash away easily. It has held up to the elements and still looks like brand new.
Actually, I had the exact problem. The actualy cable seemed fine, but hte coating was dirty and cracked. I didn't want to spend the cash for a cosmetic fix, so I used that new Krylon Fusion Spray Paint and painted the lifelines white. They say the paint "bonds at the molecular level" and so far it still looks sharp and it cost me 10 bucks for two cans of it. Be sure to mask off the stanchions. After the paint was dry, I used a Teflon Marine Wax on the lifelines to help any water/dirt wash away easily. It has held up to the elements and still looks like brand new.
Don't
The current recommended install and ORC requirement is bare lines. This is because the lines can't be properly inspected for corrosion and failures. The PVC coating also holds water in close contact with the stainless steel wire in an anerobic environment. This will exacerbate crevice corrosion even in fresh water (just much slower there). On my last boat, I replaced the lines with ones having a clear coating. Within six weeks I could see rust stains (saltwater) even in the middle of the run. Use a box cutter with a hooked blade and strip the old coating comepletely off.
The current recommended install and ORC requirement is bare lines. This is because the lines can't be properly inspected for corrosion and failures. The PVC coating also holds water in close contact with the stainless steel wire in an anerobic environment. This will exacerbate crevice corrosion even in fresh water (just much slower there). On my last boat, I replaced the lines with ones having a clear coating. Within six weeks I could see rust stains (saltwater) even in the middle of the run. Use a box cutter with a hooked blade and strip the old coating comepletely off.
Acetone works well
Hi, I've used acetone to clean both the lifelines and the rub rail. This is strong stuff so use gloves! The acetone essentially removes a layer of plastic. You can see it as the plastic is sticky for a few minutes after.
Hi, I've used acetone to clean both the lifelines and the rub rail. This is strong stuff so use gloves! The acetone essentially removes a layer of plastic. You can see it as the plastic is sticky for a few minutes after.
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