id like to replace my lifelines on my 82, they are original and cracked, is there a better solution than going through hutchins?
Sure, to Ace Hardware, or W.W. Granger, or West Marine, check the catalog for exact replacement. It's there. Maybe a 'big box' store. A 'Co-Op' farm store.
It's common x? strands of stranded coated ss wire.
It's also a good idea to grab two 1/8 inch collars [and a 1/16" Allen key] and slide them down the port and starboard cables to clamp the cables at the backside [most stern side] of the last stanchions before the opening created by the pelican hooks when undone for easy access onto the boat. That way the cables don't sag when looking forward.
Goggle it? I like the DEADEYES as seen on VIPERSDAD below.
skip.
Are you referring to the plastic coating being cracked? I had that and just took a knife and sliced the coating off. My preference is to have uncoated wire for lifelines anyway. That way you can see the condition of the wire and know when you have to replace it for safety reasons. Used a little bit of Bar Keepers Friend to shine it up once I peeled the plastic coating off.
Marc
Fasteddie, I second Marcs answer, but also if you wanted to replace them totally, you could use line and some SS hardware by CS Johnson company.
That is my plan, I plan to use AMSTEEL for the "cable replacement part"
Also DEFENDER.COM has the option to have them make your lifelines.
Mac
Thanks everyone, several choices, i even saw west marine has a new type of rope lifeline. Great Sailing Ahead !!
Amsteel Lifeline Project
http://www.alohaowners.com/projects/amsteel_lifelines/Amsteel.pdf
http://www.sailfeed.com/synthetic-lifelines-part-ii
If you search www.sailfeed.com you can find more articles on synthetic lifelines.
Here is my earlier post on the subject.
http://cpyoa.geekworkshosting.com/forum/index.php?topic=5773.msg40634#msg40634