Posted by Skip Turpin (skipperf33@…>)
As for old fittings, if after close inspection they look good, they
probably are.
Factory Vinyl covering would be I think bonded to the wire and would
actually protect the wire from moisture. The vinyl material would
also be easier on anything that might rub up against it like skin,
lines, sail materials. My boat for its size is very roomy, but like
it or not, I was forced to us my life lines, which by the way are
supporting my life-netting, to tie various plastic containers
carrying extra water and fuel to. Not to mention my trusty 10 foot
sailing Fold-A-Boat that nestles against the port lifelines just
forward of the cockpit combing.
Another advantage of the white vinyl covering is that the lifelines
become very visible to crew moving about the deck, specially at
night. This extra visual que when in a seaway helps a lot towards
maintaining your balance, day or night.
As far as the esthetics of life lines or any other safety equipment
aboard, I feel safety is much more important than looks. For me
seeing any safety equipment at all, specially in good serviceable
condition, is esthetically pleasing as well as reasureing. Yes one
must constantly inspect the boat to insure that all is well, and
lifelines are part of that!
Here is a sad commentary! I was in a very popular chandlery here in
San Diego that caters to the cruising community in particular. That
was back when I was in the middle of outfitting my F33 for blue water
cruising. At the time, I was looking at a Para Anchor and picking
the store owners brain. I had noticed that the same chute (very good
quality) had been hanging there on display for over a year. This
seamed a bit odd to me and I passed that sentiment on to the owner.
He looked me straight in the eye and said “Skip, this may surprise
you but, you are are an unusual buyer! The sad fact is that most
people will not pay the price for really good safety equipment!” I
was aghast at the implication! Very sad!
Skip
— In freedomyachts2003@yahoogroups.com, “William A. Cormack”
<wacormack@…> wrote:
I’m about to replace the lifelines on my F36. They look to be
original equipment and, therefore, 20 years old. The uppers are
3/16" and the lowers are 1/8". Both are vinyl covered and the uppers
had a second covering of vinyl snapped over them.
Can anyone comment on the wisdom of reusing the turnbuckles and
other hardware? Also should we forgo the vinyl covering?
Bill