When your lifelines get loose, how do you determine whether you should have them cut down or have them replaced?
Loose lifelines
- Thread starter Darren9582
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Minor cost
I've had all four replaced by sending them to West Marine's machine shop. It cost a lot, but was well worth it for the piece of mind of some guy falling overboard if one snapped. Even on sailboats, nothing bad happens slowly.
I've had all four replaced by sending them to West Marine's machine shop. It cost a lot, but was well worth it for the piece of mind of some guy falling overboard if one snapped. Even on sailboats, nothing bad happens slowly.
Lash them
If your lifelines are in otherwise good condition, and your turnbuckles are maxed out, you may want to just replace the turnbuckles with marine eyes and then lash them to the pulpit/pushpit/anchor points. I did that on my old C&C using some really tough small stuff and it looked, and worked, very well. And while I never had to do it, you can cut thru the lashings and drop a lifeline (in an emergency when you need to get someone back aboard fast)much faster than you can undo a shackle or turnbuckle for the same purpose.
If your lifelines are in otherwise good condition, and your turnbuckles are maxed out, you may want to just replace the turnbuckles with marine eyes and then lash them to the pulpit/pushpit/anchor points. I did that on my old C&C using some really tough small stuff and it looked, and worked, very well. And while I never had to do it, you can cut thru the lashings and drop a lifeline (in an emergency when you need to get someone back aboard fast)much faster than you can undo a shackle or turnbuckle for the same purpose.
Are the Life lines in good shape?
There could be many reasons the old ones don't fit but if the cable is in good shape, you can cut them, resize them, by replacing the swaged fitting on the cable side of the turnbuckle. Johnson Marine makes a Johnson Lifeline Stud ( 1/8" and 3/16" cable size not including the cover) hand crimp fitting that is easy to use. The cable goes into the stud far enough to crimp the stud in two places. The Johnson Lifeline Stud ( hand crimp type ) costs about $6.00 to $10.00 each You would need two. The Hand Crimp Tool is about $40.00. So, for $60.00 and some of your time you could save $250 (that is if you have a 25' boat.) Then again, if the old life line shows wear, replace it. You will need to note left or right hand thread. If you need more detail, let me know. r.w.landau
There could be many reasons the old ones don't fit but if the cable is in good shape, you can cut them, resize them, by replacing the swaged fitting on the cable side of the turnbuckle. Johnson Marine makes a Johnson Lifeline Stud ( 1/8" and 3/16" cable size not including the cover) hand crimp fitting that is easy to use. The cable goes into the stud far enough to crimp the stud in two places. The Johnson Lifeline Stud ( hand crimp type ) costs about $6.00 to $10.00 each You would need two. The Hand Crimp Tool is about $40.00. So, for $60.00 and some of your time you could save $250 (that is if you have a 25' boat.) Then again, if the old life line shows wear, replace it. You will need to note left or right hand thread. If you need more detail, let me know. r.w.landau
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