Lifeline repositioning

[Bryan Howell]

The lifelines on my '75 H25 run to the top of the bow pulpit. The obvious impact is the jib/genoa has to lay on top of the lifeline, creating a real disturbance in the sail set. Has anyone tried to run the lifelines at the bow down to the foot of the pulpit, or even to the toe rail, thereby giving the sail a path at deck level to pass over the lifeline? This is a fairly common setup on other boats. If anyone has tried this, did you have to replace the entire lifeline to get the correct length, or is there a way to "finesse" that by adjusting where the lifeline attaches at the bow? Thanks.

 

[John]

We purchased our H34 with lifelines repositioned (prev owner raced JAM with RF). Both were clipped on the toe rail; however we reconnected the lower to increase bow pulpit stability and safety. He grounded off the eyes for the uppers so as not to catch the sail; however now we cannot use when desired.

 

[Doug T.]

Extending the Length

They won't be long enough to reach to the lower bow pulpit fitting as-is. You could simply add some hi-tech line as an extension to the end of the lifeline. 1/4" V-12 from New England ropes is very low stretch and has a breaking strength of 7,500 lbs. Given a typical 50% loss of strength at the knots and a 15:1 safety margin (recommended for lifelines), it should work just fine for 250 lb sailors!(Note: You can actually completely replace the lifeline wire with rope if you like -- you just have to watch out for chafing, especially at the stanchions.)

 

[Dan Linebarger]

YUP my 75 H25 has the lifeline moved

I got my boat about 1 1/2 years ago and the lines were already moved. I saw pictures of what you were talking about and it must be hard on the sail rubbing against the lines line that...I havent had any problems and would recommend you moving them.How do you like your 75 Hunter, Mine is basically sound with some cosmetic work needed. I plan on refinishing the floor in the next week or two. I have a 9.9 HP outboard for powered sailing. Have slept on it a time or two and it is not bad at all.

 

[Dick Gilley]

Mine already done

My lifelines were already moved when i purchased our 25. Whoever did it just added another turnbuckle tomake up the difference in lenghth. It just looks normal like it was always that way. Fair Winds. DickSV ANSWERED PRAYER