What kind of lifeline do I have?

[sepharad]

The builder of my boat installed a double lifeline system on steel stanchions.

At a glance, it looks like a typical white, plastic coated steel cable lifeline...only it isn't. The core of the line is a glossy white shiny cluster of unwoven synthetic threads.

What is this stuff?

I can find no mention online of lifeline other than Dyneema rope or coated steel.

[tamicatana]

Dyneema fibre is white… but the only textile lifeline I know is NE Ropes’ WR2, which is double braided and grey

[sepharad]

[JimsCAL]

I am guessing coated dyneema, but I have never seen anything like that either.

[PLANET EXPRESS]

Looks like cloths line.
https://valuhomecenters.com/shop/hou...ine?SKU=618317

[sepharad]

This would have been cutting edge at its time. About 1991.



All 4 connections at the cockpit are missing, creating a gap of about 4 inches between the end of the lifeline and the connectors at the stern Rail. A threaded piece remains at the end of the lifeline and at the rail. I think, it may accommodate about a 4 inch turnbuckle body.


I am trying to figure out if I can use a pelican instead, but am not sure it will bridge the gap and how to connect it.

[sepharad]

Not clothesline. This was some sort of specialized lifeline. It is 3/8th inch like standard vinyl coated lifeline with this wild core. The guy who built the boat was a meticulous Radio engineer who cut corners on nothing.

[Jim Cate]

If it were my problem, I would replace that line with something known to be ok... wire or dyneema. If your lifeline was made in 1991 using an unknown material, what sort of reduction in strength has occurred in the thirty plus years of UV exposure, flexing, hot/cold cycles etc? And you patently do not know how strong it was to start with!

You are posting questions elsewhere about then modifying this line with new hardware. To me, this is an ideal time to simply replace the lot with hardware that you like, and with a gate where you want it and cordage of known characteristics. Anything less is arguably negligence IMO.

Jim

[Mike Banks]

I know the product but can not remember the name, but it is also used in radio aerial stays, because it is as strong or stronger than steel and does not act as a radio reflector. I think it was called Parafil, but you would have to check to see if it is still made. It was wonderful stuff though--the material I used was coated in black UV resistant PVC.

[Gary Mc]

Plus one for Jim! Any life line that is 30 years old should be replaced!



Mine is 10-12 in fresh water and I am thinking of replacing it soon. You do not want to find out the hard way that it is not up to strength.

[thunderhoof]

I see that Plastimo Makes Parafil guardrail line and fittings.

https://www.plastimo.com/en/cable-parafil-8901.html
However lifeline with opaque covering is generally to be avoided and may even be prohibited in some areas because it is difficult to see where the line is over stressed or frayed.