Question bout Jack Lines

mmccoy · #1 (**permalink**) 12-05-2004

How ''tight'' should jacklines be?

Should they be adjusted so they are ''tight'' against the deck? Or can they be somewhat ''loose & floppy'' (but obviously not so much they pose a risk of tripping you)?

WHOOSH · #2 (**permalink**) 12-05-2004

There are so many personal preferences about jacklines - and so many different ways to rig them given the diversity of deck plans - that I doubt there is a correct answer to your question. Better that you do what you think makes sense for you & your crew, on your boat.

''My'' answer FWIW would be that jacklines lying on deck, no matter how constructed, pose a bit of a risk as they can slide or roll underfoot, even if taut. And so my preference is to place them in the ''crook'' of the cabin trunk where it intersects with the deck, where my foot has to work extra hard to find them. This requires them to under some tension and so, the way I set them up, ''floppy'' would be dysfunctional.

Jack

paulk · #3 (**permalink**) 12-05-2004

We rig ours somewhat loose - enough to lie flat and make the various jogs they have to around the forward hatch, cabin, and winches, but not so loose as to be snaking all over the place. Having them tight would make it harder to pick one up to clip on, and it would cause your clip to slide along the deck as you move forward to adjust things or make changes. This would ensure that everyone in the off watch gets woken each time someone goes forward, and might lead to mutiny.

hamiam · #4 (**permalink**) 12-06-2004

i use the flat jacklines made out of webbing. they dont roll under foot which is nice. I like to wet them down, stretch them out and cleat the bitter end tight myself.

hilodi · #5 (**permalink**) 12-08-2004

What length jack line would people recommend for a 30'' sloop? (My father has asked for some for Xmas but want to make sure we get the right size.)

elhanley · #6 (**permalink**) 12-09-2004

You should be able to hook on before you are completely out of the companionway. The other end should allow you to reach the stemhead using all your tether, but not further. A jackline extending up into the bows will not keep you on the boat.

mmccoy · #7 (**permalink**) 12-09-2004

Makes good sense but...

If you should only be able to get to the stemhead using all your tether, what should you have/do if you need to get to a jib out on the bowspit?