Proper Life Line Tension

[Johann]

Just a quick question.

What is the proper tension for the life lines on a CP-19? I mean, when I bought the boat, they look like power lines strung between the poles, drooping about 3-4 inches between the mounting points and stanchions. I know they shouldn't be bow-string tight, but I don't think they should be 'saggy' either.

I'm planning on replacing them with new ones, perhaps with pelican terminals to use as boarding gates at the push pit. The problem is, I need to get the proper length, (based upon the correct tension), before changing the original setup, so that the modified units will have the length I need to provide the right tension.

Opinions anyone?

Johann.

[Paul]

I would consider measuring the overall length of the current lifelines, then measure the actual distance between stanchions.  Inform the store you order the new ones from of you situation and the measurements and get their recommendation.

Hope this helps.  $0.02

[mgoller]

The lifelines on my CP19 droop very little compared to what you describe.  But  I can lift them up for little kids to board under or older folks boarding over.  I get about 6" deflection near the winch.  I would consider this pretty normal.  You want a little give on them.  They shouldn't look droopy.
Paul's advice is good.  Measure and then provide some means to adjust.  Mine have an adjuster.

[Johann]

Thanks for the reply guys.

I'll have to get the actual measurements after the lifeline rigging is back in place, as I'm still putting the deck hardware back together after repainting it this past weekend. I tried to get some help with my lifeline issue at the local West Marine, but the best I got was a salesman literally tossing a $45 manual crimper on the counter and telling me that's where I needed to start. I distinctly remember saying something about re-creating the same machine crimping like the factory used and his immediate reply was, "Buy this tool" and then said nothing more when I balked.

I decided to get in touch with Bosun Supplies this afternoon and they asked me to send in the original lifelines and the actual pin-to-pin measurements between the fore and aft mounting points and they'll set up the replacements with adjustable pelican hooks at a decent price. As you can see, they were very helpful.

Thanks again for writing back.

(Now if I can only figure out how to keep the bronze pieces on Udara Tanda looking nice and new after I spent so much time polishing them up...)

Johann.

[CP16Souled_Out]

Johann,
I don't know if anyone got back with you on the picture you posted of the "Unknown Brackets", but I can tell you that they are anchor brackets (Danforth anchor).  The brackets would hang down on the bow rail, the anchor would hang upside down, then one side is placed in the round hole (right hole/right bracket) in your picture, then the other side is placed in the hook of the left bracket.  The bracket is a great way to keep the anchor out of the way and ready for use.

Hope this helps.
Carlos
CP16 "Souled Out" #837

[Johann]

Thanks for your reply Carlos, I appreciate it.

Johann.

[Johann]

It seems I kind of got this one figured out. When the lifelines came back, I discovered the pelican hooks dictated the lifeline tension for me. If it was too tight, I couldn't hook the bill into the slide on the stern rail and close it, then slide the bail over the pelican hook bill.

If the lifeline was too loose though, the bail is loose on the bill of the pelican hook and there is the concern that it might rattle loose. With that said, the lines don't have any real sag to them, but they aren't 'bow-string' tight either. The link below shows Udara Tanda with her lifelines installed. I will have to admit, after using the pelican hooks this weekend, I'm glad I got them. It makes it easy to get on board, then it's real easy to latch the pelican hook with one hand. No more tripping over the lifelines trying to board the vessel (wife).

http://com-pacowners.com/gallery2/displayimage.php?&pos=-386

[john walker]

A "no brainer", johnathon.