Stanchions & lifelines

[Lisa Woodburn]

Hi,Was wondering what you folks' opinions are on stanchions & lifelines... I have some for my Cat 22 that a prior owner had removed, and wondered what the pros and cons were about putting them back on. I single-hand some (not in heavy weather), and wondered if they would be more of a "safety" item or more "in-the-way" while docking and maneuvering around the boat. I looked around my boatyard and think it's about 60%/40% for stanchions on/off.Also, if I put them back on, isn't there some "stuff" that should be put between the metal and the deck or cabin so as to prevent leaks? (ok- I'm showing my "in-expertise" here What is it again?Thanks in advance,Lisa

 

[Michael]

Lisa, That's "schtuff"

Lisa, Good day to you and yes to the lifelines if you ever sail alone. It's not a pretty thing to be treading water as your boat sails gently off into the distance. I use West Marine's lifelines with quick disconnects attached to the stanchions. The teathering doesn't get in the way in the cockpit. The quick disconnects let me drop the lifelines while anchoring and mooring.The "schtuff" that you so lovingly refer to is a silicone based sealent. I use it any time I breach the hull or attach something new through the fiberglass. It's waranteed for 10 years against weathering but plan on resealing every five to be safe. any chandlery should have it available. SailNet and West Marine also carry the sealent.Hope I helped,Michaels/v "Cool Runnings"Catalina Capri 26