[C320-list] Life Lines, removing plastic covering

[Jack Brennan]

Some people use high-tech line such as Amsteel Blue for lifelines these 
days. It is stronger than steel wire and safer because it isn't subject to 
catastrophic failures, like the hand-pressed swages commonly used on 
lifelines.

The down side is that the lines became susceptible to UV after a number of 
years and will need to be replaced. Also, when new, high-tech lines will 
stretch a little, which means you have to keep adjusting them until the 
stretch is gone.

High-tech line also doesn't take knots well. You have to use Brummel 
splices, which can be learned easily on Youtube.

I experimented with Amsteel Blue on my previous boat. Easy on the hands. 
Strong. Simple to install and inexpensive to do. The initial stretching was 
a bit of a headache. Tying fenders to the lifeline appeared to be a quick 
way to get the stretch out.

Jack Brennan
1998 Catalina 320
Tierra Verde, Fl.






-----Original Message----- 
From: Richard Walker
Sent: Thursday, August 09, 2018 1:41 PM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Life Lines, removing plastic covering

WindWalker II is 19 years old and we find the covered life lines to be 
easily cleaned with a "Mister Clean Magic Eraser".


Dick Walker
WindWalker II
740 Olive Ave.
Coronado, CA 92118
619.435.8986



-----Original Message-----
From: C320-list [mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf 
Of Jeff Hare
Sent: Thursday, August 09, 2018 10:03 AM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Life Lines, removing plastic covering

My suspicion is that you might not be happy with the result of removing the 
covering.  We simply replaced them with bare SS lifelines and like the look 
better.  We used Suncor quick connects.  They work fine but are a bit more 
money and a bit bulkier.  The upside is that you can easily do that job 
without buying/renting a high quality cable crimper.

First, the wire inside is much thinner than the normal bare SS wire used for 
lifelines typically is.  Once you remove the coating, you'll be grabbing 
onto much thinner wire which might not be very comfortable or provide 
acceptable grip.  Don't know whether it was passivated, or intended to be 
exposed to weather.  You might need to passivate it after removing the cover 
to prevent it from rusting a lot.

-Jeff Hare

-----Original Message-----
From: C320-list <c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com> On Behalf Of 
islgirl3 at aol.com
Sent: Wednesday, August 8, 2018 8:53 AM
To: C320-List at catalina320.com
Subject: [C320-list] Life Lines, removing plastic covering


Has anyone remove the plastic covering on the life lines?  If so any down 
side, tips etc?



Rich Nuzzolo
Barbara Rita 897 


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