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After two seasons in the South Pacific and over 15,000nm, the vinyl-coated lifeline wires on our Outbound 44 will probably need replacing before our next long trip. I am leery about using line, such as the dacron-covered Spectra mentioned, because of the durability. There is no way these low-melting synthetics will withstand the abuse that 316 ss wire will. We will probably change to 1/4" 316.
Incidentally, all Outbound 44s since hull #3 have stern pulpits that extend just forward of the forward end of the cockpit. Coupled with grab bars on our dodger that is one of the most functional safety features on the boat and I appreciated it every time I have to climb out the cockpit and go forward. All of our pulpits and stanchions are made of 1 1/4" tubing, which also makes them appropriately stout for a blue-water boat of this size. (And yes, we do hang a barbecue, outboard, lifesling and all that other crap on the stern rail.)
(see our boat and trip pictures at www.svsequoia.com)
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