Quick question, my Pearson 30 only has the top lifeline and no hole for a mid height one, is that ok? Or should I find a way to add one?
Life lines questions
- Thread starter fred1diver
- Start date
jssailem
SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
- Oct 22, 2014
- 22,768
Your boat your rules.
On many boats from the 20’s through the 60’s 70’s and even 80’s. There were no lifelines at all. Gradually they became a norm or even an expectation. Racing rules require specific designs be on the boats.They have inspections to affirm they meet the standards.
The lower line is designed to catch the sailor who has fallen to the deck and is rolling across the deck to the abyss.
Adding a second line to the stanchions means making sure the new holes do not chafe the line.
On many boats from the 20’s through the 60’s 70’s and even 80’s. There were no lifelines at all. Gradually they became a norm or even an expectation. Racing rules require specific designs be on the boats.They have inspections to affirm they meet the standards.
The lower line is designed to catch the sailor who has fallen to the deck and is rolling across the deck to the abyss.
Adding a second line to the stanchions means making sure the new holes do not chafe the line.
That's the way it was built, many boats of that era were. In fact, many boats did not come lifelines at all, it was a purchase option. or added by the owner. Some boats had removable lifeline stanchions... separate base and pole.
If you want to convert to double lifelines you can try drilling the holes, or simply replace the stanchions with two holed ones. Check Garhauer Marine dot com for good prices on lifeline stanchions. I replaced mine a few years back because a couple of the base welds were failing.
Safety wise. I dont think it makes that much difference, lifelines on old production boats were never that robust and you should never use them as an anchor for your pfd harness tether.
If you want to convert to double lifelines you can try drilling the holes, or simply replace the stanchions with two holed ones. Check Garhauer Marine dot com for good prices on lifeline stanchions. I replaced mine a few years back because a couple of the base welds were failing.
Safety wise. I dont think it makes that much difference, lifelines on old production boats were never that robust and you should never use them as an anchor for your pfd harness tether.
Do you sail offshore or where the weather could change suddenly? Do you host children aboard? I'm a fan of lifelines that will stop a sailor from going overboard. I'm also with Joe, don't rely on them for your safety tether. Keep that attached as far from the rail as you can (mid-ship).
-Will
-Will
If you wanted to add a second you could run a light line and simply put a tight clove hitch around each stanchion at the mid height.. It would prevent the chafe issue.
But really it's about your feeling of security, I guess. Many call these death lines as their ability to keep you aboard is a tad suspect anyhow...
But really it's about your feeling of security, I guess. Many call these death lines as their ability to keep you aboard is a tad suspect anyhow...
You can add a second lifeline by drilling holes halfway down between the deck and the upper lifeline. There are some plastic inserts to eliminate chafe to the vinyl covered life line wire. Today, most modern boats use 7x19 SS wire with no vinyl coating. It is mandatory on a lot of offshore racing boats. You don't need inserts for bare wire, but I recommend counter sinking the holes to eliminate sharp edges. I would not put them between the stern rail or the first stanchion going forward if it will interfere with the rotation of a which handle.