Line Bags

[Tedd]

I've never had line bags but I'm thinking about getting some for my next boat (which I'm in the process of buying). I'm interested in other sailors' thoughts about them.

• First, are they even worth it. (I cruise and don't race, in case that makes a difference.)
• Most of the line bags I see advertised have a single pocket, like the one shown below. But I've also seen bags with separate pockets, for multiple lines. It seems to me that multiple pockets would be better than a single pocket because it would be easier to keep the lines separate from each other.
• Most seem to attach to the bulkhead with either fabric snaps or grommets and quarter-turn fasteners, directly below the winch. That seems like a good approach, but I'm interested if others have tried something different.
• For those with multi-pocket bags, what are the approximate dimensions of your pockets. (I might get custom-made bags.)

 

[jssailem]

Tedd,
that is the brand I bought from Binnacle in NS CA. They had a sale. Good product. Well made. I have the cockpit bags to install, but I have the mast halyard bag on the mast. It has really cleaned up the look. The lines have independent clips holding the line bundles in the bags.

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

Couple of things to consider:
1. Leaving wet lines in bags promotes growth
2. can complicate releasing quickly.


subjectively, I always like the appearance of a neatly tied wrap rather than lines stuffed in bags.

 

[cb32863]

Have a friend that got some Blue Performance on sale a few years ago and they work on his boat great. Lines are never in them though, they are basically cockpit storage and are great can holders when under sail. I would like some but, that price for what you get.....

 

[sail sfbay]

I like the Blue Performance bags for tidying up lines.........they are well constructed, hold up really well and good value for money. Installed them on my Hunter 31. My newer Hunter sailboats all had/have built in line pockets with a drain so do not need them. Blue Performance makes all kinds of line bars for the mast and cockpit and you might also consider rope clips, if concerned with stowing damp lines Storage Archives - Blue Performance

 

[kappykaplan]

I have two of them - like 'em. They're used for the unused halyards, so can put water bottles, sun screen, etc., in them.

 

[jmce1587]

I like to use my line bags to keep all the lines led aft in one place. Before these they would wind up in the cockpit or cabin floor. I had a local canvas shop make two for me to hang inside the companionway instead of mounting on the cockpit bulkhead on my H31.
bags are made from sunbrella with a bungee cord threaded thru the opening and uses a sail luff tape to slide into an aluminum awning “T” track. Now I can shove all the various lines led aft into these two bags and clean up the cockpit and cabin floor. If you have equipment and sewing skills it can be a good DYI project.

 

[Tally Ho]

Seems like it would make a good spider condo…

I prefer something open, but even then spiders will nest up in the coils…

Greg

 

[Tedd]

@Tally Ho ,

I like those hooks. They solve @Don S/V ILLusion 's concern about stowing wet lines, and they look good to my eye. Do you know where to get them, and how they attach?

 

[Tedd]

The lines have independent clips holding the line bundles in the bags.

Could you explain that a bit more, I can't picture what you're describing.

 

[jssailem]

I should have said bag. The mast bag has mesh on the bottom. It zips open in the front. Velcro strips hold the bag on the mast.
Inside there are 4 line clips at the top of the bag. You form a loop of the line. Then place the loop in the bag and clip the loop of line vertically in the bag. Room for my main, spinnaker, jib, and topping lift halyards. I was surprised. Each of the loops of line are held separately.

I have rigged my halyards to be at the mast. This keeps them sorted, allows for draining of the lines. And I can remove/use and return any unused line to the bag.

 

[Tally Ho]

@Tally Ho ,

I like those hooks. They solve @Don S/V ILLusion 's concern about stowing wet lines, and they look good to my eye. Do you know where to get them, and how they attach?

I use these for most of the lines…

https://www.amazon.com/Command-Bundlers-Organizer-2-Bundlers-17304-ES/dp/B0779KT1XD/ref=sr_1_4?crid=2ZKL1GNHQWPM8&keywords=command+hook+cord+bundler&qid=1651194528&sprefix=Command+hook+cord%2Caps%2C103&sr=8-4

They are command hooks, so the can be removed pretty easily when needed. And no screws into the fiberglass.

They last a few years in my area…maybe less in Florida sun. Maybe longer in Vancouver.

My mainsheet coil is too big to fit in the cord holder. So for that, I also use a command hook (regular hook) that I drilled a hole in, and put a loop of string through. I coil the mainsheet, pull the loop of string through the coil, and put the loop over the command hook. I can make the loop as big as necessary to accommodate the coil of rope. If I remember, I will take a photo when I am out at the boat this weekend.


Greg

 

[Bob S]

Barton Line Tamer

The Barton 'Line Tamer' is a new line storage device designed to keep cockpits free from un-used lines and halyards. Features: Line storage device Smooth profile ensures no snagging as crew members brush past Material: Nylon Sold as a pai

www.defender.com

 

[Tally Ho]

Barton Line Tamer

The Barton 'Line Tamer' is a new line storage device designed to keep cockpits free from un-used lines and halyards. Features: Line storage device Smooth profile ensures no snagging as crew members brush past Material: Nylon Sold as a pai

www.defender.com

That is a more heavy-duty version of my mainsheet holder.

How does it attach to the boat?

Greg

 

[Bob S]

Not sure with these but the ones that are on my Beneteau are screwed in.

 

[Stu Jackson]

I always like the appearance of a neatly tied wrap rather than lines stuffed in bags

Yes. Why not just learnb how to coil a line and stick a hitch at the top and hang it on itself. No muss, no bags.

 

[Terry Cox]

Wrote an article awhile ago about how I store our sheets/lines in the cockpit. Easy to make, very effective and low cost. Hunter 42 Owner Modifications and Upgrades

When these wear out will likely make new ones from Starboard.

 

[All U Get]

My wife made some with Phifertex.

 

[RoyS]

Have three of the Blue ones in the cockpit and like them. Lets my dog sleep peacefully on the cockpit floor even during a tack. Expensive but nice. I do not have separate compartments and do stuff multiple lines in each bag. Works for me.

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

Yes. Why not just learnb how to coil a line and stick a hitch at the top and hang it on itself. No muss, no bags.

Guess I should have been more clear - That’s exactly what I meant.