[C320-list] Life Lines

[Jeff Hare]

Mark, 

It's possible on some boats to take the old ones to a rigger and get new ones made to just install, but not the C320. The stanchion holes are not large enough for any fittings to pass through so you have to do the final swaging/assembly on the boat. To remove the old ones, requires cutting the cable forward of the lifeline gate.

Also, the "pre-swaged" kit approach from CD or elsewhere is easier to install overall than the Suncor compression fittings and look cleaner and sleeker.  I've done two installations with the Suncor compression fittings, and one with the swaged fittings. It took much less time to swage on 8 fittings than it did to install all 16 with the Suncor compression fittings because of keeping the little rubber band in place and the jaws aligned properly before tightening them down. While you can remove the Suncor ones if you make a mistake, it's not always easy and you'll be doing it without the rubber band to assist unless you have spares.

The Suncor fittings are significantly more expensive. Just did a 36' boat and the cable and fittings at my cost were around $1200 last summer.

-Jeff Hare

-----Original Message-----
From: C320-list <c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com> On Behalf Of Mark Hood
Sent: Sunday, January 30, 2022 8:58 AM
To: C320-List at catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Life Lines

What we did with our old Douglas 32 is to remove our old life lines and bring to a rigger over the winter to duplicate. Perfect fit, no hassles and relatively inexpensive. Mark Hood

On Sun, Jan 30, 2022 at 8:12 AM Joe M <smith.blazer.72 at gmail.com> wrote:

> Next time buy a roll of coated wire (or uncoated if you like) and 
> suncor compression kit. Easy install, looks perfect, gates (and 
> everything else) are exactly as you want and the hardware can be used 
> again which will save money next time.
>
> I know this doesn’t help you now. Sorry.
>
> Joe 2002 C320 hull #902
>
> On Sat, Jan 29, 2022 at 9:19 PM SARA SCHROEDER <saras951 at comcast.net>
> wrote:
>
> > I bought the uncoated stainless lifeline kit from Catalina Direct 
> > and am
> a
> > bit confused by the instructions. Before I attempt the install I 
> > thought I'd ask if anyone has installed these before.  The part I am 
> > confused
> about
> > is that the instructions say:  "When you receive your kit, it will
> include
> > several wires.  Each wire will have a pelican hook swaged on one end 
> > and
> a
> > gate eye swaged on the other end.  You will cut each of these wire 
> > assemblies somewhere in the middle.  Exactly where the wire is cut
> depends
> > upon where your aft most lifeline stanchion is installed."
> >
> > Seriously?? I pay for beautiful new lifelines and I have to "cut 
> > each of them somewhere in the middle?!?!?"
> >
> > If anyone can walk me through this I'd be forever grateful.
> >
> > Sara
> > Wandering Star
> > 2000/#7070
> > Seattle
> >
>