Webbing: Sew or Tie
- Thread starter mikemoyer
- Start date
Great question. My jacklines have a large loop sewn into each end that are attached to cleats at the stern and bow but you can also tie them off as discussed in this thread post #5 Attaching a jackline | Sailboat Owners Forums AND take a look at the other posts on guidance on running jack lines. I have pad eyes on each side of the cockpit to attach a tether.
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Jackline is one word. A jack line. for example, can be found on the luff of some sails near the tack.
Do not use nylon climbing webbing. Too much stretch.
Most likely, proper sewing is the only way to get the required strength, since a knot takes ~ 40% of the strength. Climbers can knot 1" webbing slings because they are used in a loop. But you need to research the stitching methods (see Sailrite). Also, test the strength of your sitching by sewing just one row and bouncing on that with body weight.
Probably the safest DIY method uses Dyneema singlebraid, since it is easy to splice.
Attaching them to bow and stern cleats is a problem, since you can ten fall off the bow or stern. Really, they should be anchored 3-4 feet back from the ends. It's a common, lazy solution.
Best of luck and be careful!
jackline locations
A proper jackline design keeps the user from falling over the side preventing the user to be suspended. Proper stitching is needed but concerned about the weakening of the material due to knots is either irrelevant or you need to have stronger material. I also prefer stitching because it allows the material to lay more flat compared to knots, lessening tripping hazards. My two cents....
Sometimes Dyneema single braid jacklines are run inside to further reduce rolling. I've seen them but not sailed with them.
Practical Sailor did a great comparison. Jackline Materials Evaluation | Practical Sailor
I’ve bought and use the flat jackline with the stainless buckle from APS.
I just read that APS is out of business, I had used a lot of their advice over the years.
I’ve bought and use the flat jackline with the stainless buckle from APS.
I just read that APS is out of business, I had used a lot of their advice over the years.
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I like the discussion of John Harries. He is known. Morganscloud.com.
With many years of cruising / sailing experience I find his ideas are sound both from engineering design and sailing performance.
Some of his ideas are public others are for his members. At $20 a year subscription I find the information valuable.
Safety issues are ones he shares.
Jacklines are shared. Jacklines: Materials, Fabrication and Installation
With many years of cruising / sailing experience I find his ideas are sound both from engineering design and sailing performance.
Some of his ideas are public others are for his members. At $20 a year subscription I find the information valuable.
Safety issues are ones he shares.
Jacklines are shared. Jacklines: Materials, Fabrication and Installation