After inspection on haulout, it looks like I will be replacing lifelines sooner than I expected. In a similar ongoing thread, I posed a question regarding using coated versus uncoated lifelines, especially as it relates to racing. My question/concern is this, according to the ORC regs for Category 2 races and above, lifelines replaced after '99 are supposed to be uncoated. I'm sure this is to facilitate inspection of condition. Looking online to replace, everyone offers coated lifelines, but nothing in uncoated. (Yes, I assume that I could use any 7x7SS wire of appropriate diameter.) What I'm wondering is how strictly this rule is followed/enforced? Have any of you racers replaced lifelines since '99 and been inspected? I (and my Admiral) would prefer the coated lines, but being that I'd like to race in a couple of Cat 2 races, I don't want to commit $$ into something that will cause problems down the line. Can anyone provide any experiences, insight, guidance, etc. into the issue? Thanks in advance. T J
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Inspection maybe part of entry process.
T.J. If I am not mistaken, for the Chicago to Mack Race a boat must be inspected and certified as meeting SI requirements as part of the entry process. If that is the case then I would recommend that you follow the ORC regulations up front. Afterall, we are talking safety here. Suggest that you check the Chicago Yacht Club web site and review all of the information required to enter the race. Everything from this years event should still be available at their site. That way you will have some idea of all the requirements. Good luck, hope you can pull it all together and be ready to race next summer.
T.J. If I am not mistaken, for the Chicago to Mack Race a boat must be inspected and certified as meeting SI requirements as part of the entry process. If that is the case then I would recommend that you follow the ORC regulations up front. Afterall, we are talking safety here. Suggest that you check the Chicago Yacht Club web site and review all of the information required to enter the race. Everything from this years event should still be available at their site. That way you will have some idea of all the requirements. Good luck, hope you can pull it all together and be ready to race next summer.
TJ
You can kill 2 birds w/1 stone. Switch to spectra. Simply stronger, lighter, cheaper and easier on the flesh than any kind of steel(coated or otherwise). No fishhooks ever. What could be better?? Where is it written that lifelines MUST be made out of steel?
You can kill 2 birds w/1 stone. Switch to spectra. Simply stronger, lighter, cheaper and easier on the flesh than any kind of steel(coated or otherwise). No fishhooks ever. What could be better?? Where is it written that lifelines MUST be made out of steel?
To Alan
Alan, In ORC Regulations for offshore races they stipulate the specifications for lifeline contruction. Don't believe spectra qualifies as acceptable under those rules.
Alan, In ORC Regulations for offshore races they stipulate the specifications for lifeline contruction. Don't believe spectra qualifies as acceptable under those rules.
To Alan 2
Alan - Darrel is correct. The following link points to a thread where this has been dicussed. That thread, in turn, has a link to the ISAF Regulations which stipulate specifications for lifelines. As Darrel has also noted in the past, this only applies to ORC races, and generally not to smaller PHRF races. T J
Alan - Darrel is correct. The following link points to a thread where this has been dicussed. That thread, in turn, has a link to the ISAF Regulations which stipulate specifications for lifelines. As Darrel has also noted in the past, this only applies to ORC races, and generally not to smaller PHRF races. T J
Re: Liflines
I've checked with Dan Nowlen, Offshore Director for US Sailing, and he verified the rule for stainless lifelines. I questioned 'why' spectra should not be used being that it is stronger, lighter, and more chafe resistant not to mention much more user friendly. He replied that he didn't know but would bring the topic up at the meeting next week. I'll report back when he lets me know the answer.
I've checked with Dan Nowlen, Offshore Director for US Sailing, and he verified the rule for stainless lifelines. I questioned 'why' spectra should not be used being that it is stronger, lighter, and more chafe resistant not to mention much more user friendly. He replied that he didn't know but would bring the topic up at the meeting next week. I'll report back when he lets me know the answer.
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