Dyneema lifelines

[JD-MDR]

I installed Dyneema on my boat. There is so much positive discussion on the forum. I’m really glad I did it. So easy. I only want to point out one minor issue. The lifelines are only as strong as the part they are attached to. Here is a photo showing the welded loop on the pulpit. It snapped like a pretzel. This is the second time. I barely put any weight on it reaching over the side for something I dropped. I replaced it with a clamp on part. Maybe next time I pull the pulpit I’ll get them welded. Welded loops look much better.
I wonder if the 45 yr old turnbuckles are just as bad

[Jim Walsh]

I like your clamp-on terminal connection. All the Brits forego the turnbuckles on lifelines and lace the terminal ends. The RYA insists that you be able to use a knife to drop the lifeline quickly in an emergency. I personally use snap gate hooks on the port side so I can quickly drop the upper and lower lifelines if necessary. I have my boarding gate on the starboard side only, which is similarly equipped. I replaced my original coated lifelines with uncoated 1x19 stainless years ago so I didn’t have to worry about what was going on under the coating. I prefer stainless for this application because of the chafe factor with dyneema. We all get to choose our poison.

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[JD-MDR]

I like your clamp-on terminal connection. All the Brits forego the turnbuckles on lifelines and lace the terminal ends. The RYA insists that you be able to use a knife to drop the lifeline quickly in an emergency. I personally use snap gate hooks on the port side so I can quickly drop the upper and lower lifelines if necessary. I have my boarding gate on the starboard side only, which is similarly equipped. I replaced my original coated lifelines with uncoated 1x19 stainless years ago so I didn’t have to worry about what was going on under the coating. I prefer stainless for this application because of the chafe factor with dyneema. We all get to choose our poison.
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Good idea with the snap hook. I will upgrade mine sometime in the future. I was thinking just a cow hitch on the forward end( I need the welded loop). I guess with the lacing i wouldn't need the turnbuckles. Just noticed. I did use cow hitch on upper port side. If I decide to lace the aft I will have to discard those expensive aluminum adapters that i bought. Maybe someday

[JD-MDR]

I ended up finishing the port side with cow hitch forward and lashing aft. I had to use materials on hand and cant buy anything. Im not worried about the lowers. I think the bolt part of the turnbuckle is what would break and Those have all been replaced with the aluminum adapters. I think I’ll be ok for a while

[Jim Walsh]

Good temporary fix! Sometimes you have to be resourceful and use what’s readily available.

[John Stone]

I have dyneema lifelines too. Like them very much. Cow hitch is what I use on forward end. No turnbuckles either. I lace them with 1/8" diameter dynema. You never want to rely on that welded bail on the pulpit. You were right to secure the end to the main
Pulpit tubbing. I know lots of folks like pelican hooks because they are convenient. No doubt about that. I don't care for them though as they can just open...had it happen many times. To be fair I have not heard of anyone falling overboard because the Pelican hook opened though probably someone has had it happen to them or someone they know. But, if I did have have them I would tape them closed.

[ctcd22lis]

This is a timely post as I pulled the vinyl covered lifelines on my ‘84 CD22. I have the same welded pulpits on the bow, but planning to use the clamped-on type so I can lower the lines a wee bit so the Genoa doesn’t get hung up on them as much.

Dyneema will be my choice as well, and never thought of a cow hitch, makes sense for bow end. I have splced and eye on Dyneema before, just need to source the turnbuckle gate end or maybe salvage them from current lines. I should have gone to the Annapolis Boat show this year, prob could have gotten a deal on some supplies, last year they had some good deals on cordage and rigging…