[C320-list] Jacklines

[Jerry]

Hi

I had my local sailmaker make up two flat jacklines (approx 35ft) from 
aircraft high strength non stretch webbing with a stitched loop at one end 
which I place on the bow cleat at one end and then cleat up tp the stern 
cleat at the other.  After discussion with the sailmaker and others with 
jacklines, I opted for flat lines rather than round so that they could not 
roll under my foot in difficult conditions.  I completed one blue water trip 
in the Atlantic in February on a racing yacht with round jacklines and found 
them a hazard if I stepped on them.  The operators of the boat were in fact 
in the process of changing to flat jack lines across their fleet for that 
reason.

I fully agree that this is not an area to cut costs on.  I also had an 
elasticated tether made by the same sailmakers with pelicans etc.  The 
elasticated tether works well when I need to detach as it is short enough 
not to catch in my feet etc.

Regards

Jerry Brown
Indigo #1137


-----Original Message----- 
From: Dennis Harris
Sent: Tuesday, March 01, 2011 3:04 PM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Jacklines

Joe,

There are probably lots of others on this list that could give a better
answer.  I sail in sheltered waters and it is unlikely that I will need such
gear, but just in case, here's what I rigged up for myself.  You have to
decide if it suits your needs.  If you are sailing in open/rough waters, you
probably don't want to cut corners here and can buy better gear at West
Marine, Defender, or other stores....if you know you are likely to need it,
don't go cheap.  Generally, flat polyester tubing seems to be recommended
for jack lines (because a round line can roll out from under you).  However,
I have two 1/2" double braid Nylon mooring lines (35 ft. I believe, check
needed length) as jack lines.  They are rated about 8500 lbs. breaking
strength.  The starboard line splice eye is placed through and around port
bow cleat horns so it cannot come off.  The line is passed tightly down the
starboard side next to/ just outboard of shrouds and back to push pit
vertical stanchion at the back of helm station, around the stanchion to the
starboard cleat and cleated off.  This keeps the line inboard and in
locations where it is not likely to be stepped on.  An alternate would be to
go directly past the shrouds to the starboard stern cleat, but the line is a
little more exposed in walking areas.  For tethers, I use 1/2" double braid
Nylon, with two tethers, one 3' and one 6'.  On the end connecting to my
harness/inflatable life jacket D rings, I have a quick release pelican hook
with short lanyard (you might want to get disconnected quickly).  On the
other tether ends, I have carabineer hooks or stainless steel quick links.
This seems to mimic the standard arrangement that is usually recommended at
lowest cost.  Of course, the fallacy in either, the top of line, or cheap do
it yourself arrangements is that when you fall, the jack line stretches a
bit and that, combined with the tether length (3' or 6') puts you dangling
overboard where you can't get back on the boat if you go under the lifeline
on the side to which you are connected.  If I ever have to use my
arrangement, I will go forward in a crouch or on my knees, but before I do,
I will tie a loop in the tether being used to shorten it to a couple of feet
so I cannot go overboard to the point that I can't get back on board.
(Actually, the round tether lines are a plus when you tie in a shortening
loop since it will be easier to untie).  Also, with two tethers, it is my
intent in such conditions to be hooked into something with one of those at
all times. Being pulled through the water at 5 kts. is not a very good way
to die.

Dennis Harris
C320 # 694

-----Original Message----- 
From: Joseph Aberdale
Sent: Monday, February 28, 2011 2:50 PM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Subject: [C320-list] Jacklines

Hello To All,

I have a 2002  C320 and am looking for a good jackline arrangement at
minimum cost.  Does anyone make his own? What materials?

Thank you.

Joe
#908