Lower Life Lines

[n4lbl]

I'm going to replace my lifelines and wondered what the purpose of the
lower life lines were. Since the cables aren't fixed to the stanchions I
don't think they provide any integrity there. I'm really considering
uppers only. Is this a mistake??

thanx,,,
Alan[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

 

[winslowbuoy]

When you are sitting on the foredeck because it is too hazardous to stand up and a wave washes you accross the deck it is the lower lifeline that stops you being washed overboard. If you are standing up it is the upper lifeline that catches your legs and tips you over.
I don't understand your point about the lower cables not being fixed to the stanchions. In the normal set up they are attached fore and aft and also pass thrould a hole in the centre of each stanchion.
I wonder if a previous owner couldn't be bothered to take an end fitting off to pass the lifeline through the hole.

Strongly advise you to use both lifelines
Mike

 

[vegatern]

I replaced the original short stanchions on the Tern, I think they were 18", with 24" stanchions that had been given to me by a friend. Initially I was reluctant to make the change because I thought the higher line would look awkward. What a remarkable difference those few inches have made in comfort, especially when stepping onto the deck from the cockpit.
The double lines are required by some race organizers, and even if they weren't I would be very reluctant to remove the lower. Staying on the boat makes coming home much easier.
Craig

 

[n4lbl]

Thanks for the replies, both on and off list. There was complete agreement
and while the answer was not the one I hoped for it is advice I will take.

again,,, thanx,,,
Alan

 

[SVFlyAway]

When I am offshore, or even if I expect rough weather in the north Puget
Sound, I rig "high lifelines." I put a wire cleat on the upper shroud,
about my shoulder high or just below. I then run a Spectra type line from
the pushpit to the bow pulpit, over the cleat. It is great to have the high
line as a handhold when going forward. Also, this gives me a very high line
where I spend the most time when I am forward, at the mast.

I also always use a harness and tether. My tether had two snap hooks on it.
One about 5 or so feet out and the second at about 2 feet. That way I can
use the short hook when I am stationary, such as at the bow. The idea here
is to keep from going over the side. The 2 foot will catch you short, while
a 5 or 6 foot tether won't stop you from going overboard and I don't think
it would be much fun being dragged along the side of the boat. I once used
a tether that had elastic in it, but that really scared me when I was
testing it.