How do you know when your Lifesling should be replaced? Is there any kind of service that should be done? Just wondering. Mine came with the boat, and I have no idea how old it is.
Lifesling Lifespan?
- Thread starter jviss
- Start date
Wow, that UV down there is brutal, eh?
One reason I ask is West Marine is running a sale with 30% off for Gold Advantage members, so I can get a whole new one for $160. But perhaps I just shouldn't worry about it. Mine's only exposed for a few months out of the year.
My Life Sling is 23 years old. I’ve replaced the line 3 times in the same time frame and the cover once. I bought a Sunbrella cover from this site. With a little washing and UV spray each year it will last longer than the plastic cover they come with. You give up the printed directions on how to use it though. But given that level of emergency not many will stop and read the directions. I just make my guests aware of what it is, as with the location of the life vests.
As far as maintenance, treat it like you would your life vests. If the floatation harness is cracked, broken or open….replace it.
Mine gets inspected along with the PFD’s when the Coast Guard does my yearly Vessel Safety Check. Peace of mind all the way around.
As far as maintenance, treat it like you would your life vests. If the floatation harness is cracked, broken or open….replace it.
Mine gets inspected along with the PFD’s when the Coast Guard does my yearly Vessel Safety Check. Peace of mind all the way around.
The part to worry about is the small section of line that is outside the case. UV will destroy that. The case will also deteriorate over time. Pull it out and inspect it. If it looks bad, replace.
I replaced the line with ⅜" floating dingy tow line or rescue line. This is a double braid polyester line. It is heavier but easier to work with. The 10 feet or so that is exposed was covered with tubular nylon webbing and sewn on.
I replaced the line with ⅜" floating dingy tow line or rescue line. This is a double braid polyester line. It is heavier but easier to work with. The 10 feet or so that is exposed was covered with tubular nylon webbing and sewn on.
Yes, the exposed part of my line is in a tube of white nylon, which I think is how they come from the factory.
I have the hard plastic container instead of the bag. After 25 years the harness looks like new and the line outside the case is still in good shape. But it is only exposed for 6 months in a northern climate.