Single vs. Double Lifeline, One or More Gates

[NavyDave_andMe]

Our Pearson 365 has a single lifeline running through the stanchions, and the
stanchions don't have a fitting or hole to run a second lifeline. And there's only one gate, on the starboard side. I would feel safer, I think, with a second lifeline, and I'd like the convenience of a gate on the port side. Truth be told it took Dave and me a while to notice the lack of either the second gate or the second lifeline. But once you notice something...
No need to waste money, though, so I'd appreciate some feedback. Am I seeing a problem where none exists?
--Cheryl

[SVTatia]

Originally Posted by NavyDave_andMe

Our Pearson 365 has a single lifeline running through the stanchions, and the

stanchions don't have a fitting or hole to run a second lifeline. And there's only one gate, on the starboard side. I would feel safer, I think, with a second lifeline, and I'd like the convenience of a gate on the port side. Truth be told it took Dave and me a while to notice the lack of either the second gate or the second lifeline. But once you notice something...

No need to waste money, though, so I'd appreciate some feedback. Am I seeing a problem where none exists?

--Cheryl

Likewise here, I added a second line for safety. But to me gates are more trouble than the convinience they provide, and you need to double the fittings for that side.

[SVTatia]

You would need thse for the lower line:
https://www.sailrite.com/Stanchion-S...tainless-Steel

[NavyDave_andMe]

Ah, thank you for taking the time to post. And on Christmas Eve! (I just finished wrapping the last gifts.) Sailrite has so many more things than I thought. I didn't know there was such a thing as a stanchion sleeve.
Merry Christmas!
--Cheryl

[meirriba]

Double lines are relatively easy to install.
You need to drill holes, polish the new holes to make the entrances smooth against chafe and install new lines with pelicans and turnbuckles (to enable tightening).
You may also consider dyneema for the new lifeline.
But the gate is complicated.
You will need to replace the stanchions with a pair that have side support. Otherwise, people coming onboard that will lean on the stanchion of the gate will break it out of its base.
And, you will need to cut the old line at the new gate and re-install it with new pelicans/turnbuckles.
Good luck.

[krismatski]

Hi, making holes in the middle of stantion is something I'd avoid. You may add a middle soft (dyneema or polyester) lifeline, or couple of them, just making a loop or rather clove hitch around a stanchion pipe. Shouldn't slide if tight enough, but if so a drop of epoxy solves this problem. A friend of mine did like in the picture.
Sorry, not able to insert the picture

[Hermia II]

Absolutely two life lines, and you can drill a hole. But the best is if you can insert a short tube through the hole in order not to limit the life of the second lifeline (from S/S wire of course). No hole if Dyneema, Dux or similar is used, but internationally only S/S-wire is allowed.

[guyrj33]

Schaefer makes a very nice stanchion sleeve for adding a lower lifeline.

[guyrj33]

If you contact marine salvage yards you may be able to match the hardware on your Pearson less expensively than purchasing new.

[bailsout]

Ah, the joys and simplicity of not having any lifelines. Of course, leaving the cockpit all harnessed and tethered isn’t so simple either. But ultimately safer. Makes varnishining the toerails easier too. And I like not having to pass through a gate or stepping over a fence.

[PuttingDoctor]

So, do your present stanchions come out of mounted bases? How tall are they?
If they are removable from the bases then you can easily remove and replace them with a lower line access in each.
Now check the photo on one of my recent projects. This is a neighbors Island Packet 44. We used the existing stanchions and we’re blessed with being able to rubber hammer the T right onto the top of each stanchion vs having to remove a pressed fitting for a top rail. We sleeve the rails for longer runs than 20’ or 24’ lengths.
The 1” stainless rail adds a much safer and stable hand feel.
I’m also doing this with new stanchions on a Leopard 39’ and will complete it this coming week.
https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums...cture34297.png

[rondelais]

On my 365, I have double lines and a gate on only he starboard side, and it has no additional stanchion to define the gate, so the opening is quite wide, and the lines droop all the way from mid-ships to the stern when the gate is open. There are braces on the stanchions, but I will add a stanchion when I replace the lines. Is yours like that? I have not investigated how to add that stanchion, but on all others there is a small hatch below in the cabin liner, to access the backing plates and fasteners. The extra stanchion will have to go near the aft end of the nav station, so maybe it won’t be too ugly to cut a hole there. Let me know what you decide to do, as the time is coming for me to renew my lines.

[NavyDave_andMe]

All very helpful tips, thank you! I appreciate learning quality brand names (Schaefer) and terms (stanchion sleeve) and ways of doing things ("rubber hammer the T"). Hadn't even thought about the existence of marine salvage yards, although I spent plenty of time in junk yards for cars as a kid.
I figured someone would put in a vote for no lifelines, bailsout!
PuttingDoctor, those lifelines on your neighbor's Island Packet looks great.
Rondelais, yes, I think our boats are constructed similarly. I'll let you know what we decide.
--Cheryl

[s/v Jedi]

I recommend against the use of sleeves as well as against drilling holes. The suggestion of just tying a line is the kind of simplicity that is my preference to keep things as safe as possible while minimizing maintenance.

In this case I recommend a 6mm line with Dyneema core, like Samson Warpspeed etc.

[NavyDave_andMe]

Thank you, s/v Jedi. Dave would definitely agree with that approach. I'm the one who's endlessly researching. I just finished reading through most of the posts on the thread started by Jolly Roger on the use of Dyneema and related considerations. Now my brain's tired.
--Cheryl