Lifeline coatings ...

[Dalliance]

My old vinyl covered lifelines were showing some signs of rust and I replaced them with uncovered stainless steel lifelines with pelican hook gates on both sides of the cockpit. I'm not a believer in vinyl coated lifelines.
Dyneema is interesting but I would be concerned about chafe at the stanchions and UV damage. Seems to me that uncovered stainless steel would likely have a longer useful life.

 

[thinwater]

Amsteel is permitted on multies (no rail meat).

Not mentioned re bare stainless is feel and grip. Note that the PS tested was going back to coated wire, because he disliked the feel of both Dyneema and bare stainless. While you certainly don't need to agree with him, he is not the only person who simply dislikes the slipperiness of bare stainless and Dyneema. It is a relevant factor that is seldom mentioned; bare wire is a painful, dangerous handhold.

 

[Gunni]

I have chosen to stay with coated lifelines and a more frequent change-out schedule. About 12 years. I'm not racing anywhere.

 

[Scott T-Bird]

While I'd agree that bare stainless doesn't feel nice as a handhold, I'd also say that I have never used my lifelines as a handhold. Grabbing a lifeline might just be a prelude to somersaulting over the side. The only handholds I use are inboard on the cabin top. In fresh water, rust on the stainless wire and fittings wasn't much of an issue. I noticed that rope burns (from the genoa sheets) on the old vinyl coated lifelines wore thru the vinyl in numerous locations. Since moving our boat to salt water, the exposed wire quickly rusted and I was alarmed by the site of it. After just one full season here, I replaced my lifelines with bare ss. The previous set lasted just over 10 years as I replaced with vinyl-coated lifelines in 2005 (not knowing there was an issue with vinyl-coated wire).
I can't imagine why hooks and broken strands should develop on a set of lifelines before the useful life has been achieved. If the lines have hooks or broken strands, they need to be replaced.

 

[JamesG161]

The appearance of rust is a sign that the integrity of the wire beneath the vinyl is compromised.

Well, not so much.

The only Stainless grade that doesn't have the potential of a "rust stain" is...

Titanium

I have chosen to stay with coated lifelines

Coatings do NOT promote corrosion nor does it hide a failing line. The points of highest tensional forces are at the connectors at each end.

All metals corrode. I use SS since they will last longer than I or the boat will.

The key is like Gunni said "Change out schedule" or have them "tension" tested.
________
Separate life line ABUSE from corrosion.

Since Safety is their purpose and Longevity is needed I would go with the material used in your Standing rigging.
Jim...

PS: I wonder if anyone knows how to use a Lifeline when walking forward on a boat? USNavy taught me. Or do we hang fenders off them or use them to pull the boat to the dock?

 

[Gunni]

I train crew to use the lifelines as a means to keep them stuck to the deck. You pull UP on the lifeline and force your body down onto the deck. Try it and see if your trip forward doesn't feel much more secure.

 

[JamesG161]

I train crew to use the lifelines as a means to keep them stuck to the deck. You pull UP on the lifeline and force your body down onto the deck. Try it and see if your trip forward doesn't feel much more secure.

THAT IS THE RIGHT WAY

I train anyone who gets on my boat how to use a life line.
Jim...

PS: Sorry Gunni I was typing mine while you were doing yours.

 

[Calif. Ted]

If someone dislikes the feel of bare wire you could use wire covers, you can always peel them off for inspection.
https://www.westmarine.com/buy/davis-instruments--snap-on-cable-covers--P002_065_007_002

 

[Scott T-Bird]

I train crew to use the lifelines as a means to keep them stuck to the deck. You pull UP on the lifeline and force your body down onto the deck. Try it and see if your trip forward doesn't feel much more secure.

Instinctively, this works, mostly because it is difficult for a tall person to actually grip a life line without stooping anyway. But I still fail to see how a lifeline is a suitable handhold when it is more like a pivot to flip yourself over the side. The only suitable handholds are on the cabin top or inboard side (shrouds are inboard on my boat, so they work when moving past them). Teaching guests how to grip life lines? Really? That's a new one for me. I've never once heard a skipper make that explanation. If you have one hand for the boat and one for yourself then my one hand for the boat is on the inboard handrail.
I don't see why Ted's suggestion isn't a suitable alternative. I might give that a try. I use those on the split backstay to keep peoples hair from getting entwined at the helm.

 

[Gunni]

Teaching guests how to grip life lines? Really? That's a new one for me. I've never once heard a skipper make that explanation.

Guests don't get this lesson, crew do. Guests get Lesson#1: Stay In The Boat. Which means stay in the cockpit.
Crew need to go forward from time to time. They need the ability to negotiate a bouncing deck.

 

[jssailem]

Titanium

You got me James. . I did not think of Titanium lifelines. Maybe it was a $$$$$$$$ issue.
I correct my statement from "integrity of the wire beneath the vinyl is compromised."
to... "integrity of the wire beneath the vinyl could be compromised."