making a new life line

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carl

the vinyl covered lines through the deck stantions, i believe they are called life lines. has anyone replaced them?, where did you get the crimped ends from? where did you get the wire rope from? thanks carl
 

Don K.

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Jun 11, 2004
53
No boat Chrysler 26 Hudson FL
Rigging Only

They can help you. I was very pleased with their service.
 
K

Ken

Life lines

Also try West Marine. Our local store has both the white lifeline cable and the crimp ends in house---I also believe they can do the crimping on the spot if you have the correct lengths.
 
Dec 2, 1999
15,184
Hunter Vision-36 Rio Vista, CA.
WM is very expensive.

Carl: We priced WM for lifelines and they were about $600-700 for everything. I priced the same thing with Seco and the price was around $400. We were going to use Johnson Pelican hooks (best units you can buy). They retail for about $40 each. Shop around. If you are on the West Coast Ballenger has good prices (under $400) for a complete set.
 
Jan 26, 2005
53
Maxim Voyage 380 Currently: Sailing the Caribbean
Did my own

When it came time to upgrade the life lines on our old Hunter, 'Feng Shui', I didn't use life line cable but purchased uncoated wire rope (rigging wire) and Johnson ends. The uncoated cable allowed for a thicker (stronger) cable to go into the same place. It also allows for easier inspections. I have noticed a great number of boats that have life lines in very poor shape, an accident waiting to happen. The larger cable also permitted heavier ends and hooks. This make the whole life line stronger. I actually bought the Johnson tool for about $40. Finally, I think they look better on the boat. It didn't take much work to build the new lines and install them. Was very happy with the finished product, improved safety, and appearance, not to mention the money saved. When we bought our new boat I was able to insert a gate using the tools. again more money saved without a loss in safety. If you are a bit handy making your own is easy and very worthwhile. cost for a 34 boat about $200 includes top and bottom cable & ends.
 
Jun 4, 2004
629
Sailboat - 48N x 89W
Un-Coated wire

I agree with “sv_Makai” regarding the use of un-coated lifeline wire. One of the problems with (admittedly attractive) vinyl coated lifelines is unseen corrosion. The coating not only conceals the corrosion - but promotes it, by retaining water & moisture on the wire, and by reducing the amount (oxide promoting) oxygen available to the S/S surface. I’d never thought of the ability to increase wire diameter, without increasing overall diameter (no extra windage & it still fits) - but this also makes great sense. BTW: You can make removable lifeline cushions /w a piece of pipe insulation, covered with Sunbrella (whatever) and closed /w Velcro. FWIW, Gord
 
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