Lifelines-how to keep them White and Bright?

[Brezzin]

What do you recommend on keeping lifelines (and fenders for that matter) in like new condition?

Dave

[TrueBlue]

On our last boat, which was bought new, Softscrub with Bleach had always worked wonders with cleaning the lifelines and fenders . . . have to admit though, that was my crew's job .

Our current boat however, is somewhat older with teak capped rails, but the mid span does have one continuous run of vinyl coated lifeline. I tried many cleaners on the lifelines but could not get them bright white. Until a dockmate recommended rubbing acetone over them with a cloth.

I was leery at first, thinking it would turn into a sticky mess. The stuff worked great and didn't get sticky - made them look brand new. I coated them with some wax for added protection.

[T34C]

A product called "Awesome" from the Dollar store. Best stuff I have ever found (and cheapest) for cleaning-up fenders, plastic dorades, lifelines etc...

[Brezzin]

Acetone??? No kidding. I would have thought as you, that it would eat away at the cover.

T34C - What's the active ingrediant in Awesome?

[sailingdog]

I would be wary of using anything containing chlorine bleach near stainless steel lifelines, especially the vinyl coated ones, unless you like the surprise of chloride stress cracking... Granted 316L is supposed to be more resistant...but that doesn't mean immune, and sodium hypochlorite is a very active form of chlorine.

[T34C]

They actually don't list the ingrediants. This was taken from the FAQ section of their website:

What is LA’s Totally Awesome All Purpose Cleaner ® made from?

• LA’s Totally Awesome All Purpose Cleaner ® is a blend of water, surfactant (surface-active) agents, color and scent. Surfactant agents lift grease and oil up off of the surface.
LA’s Totally Awesome All Purpose Cleaner ® is a safe, naturally gentle soap, specially formulated for cleaning a variety of surfaces like floors, furniture, and other household surfaces. And it leaves your home smelling fresh and clean. LA’s Totally Awesome All Purpose Cleaner ® contains no harsh detergents, ammonia, or bleach.


11. Why aren't the ingredients listed on the label?
• LA’s Totally Awesome All Purpose Cleaner ® is non-toxic. Therefore, the listing of ingredients on the label is not required by law. LA’s Totally Awesome All Purpose Cleaner ® unique formula is protected under the US Trade Secrecy Act and has been extensively tested to verify the product's credentials. LA’s Totally Awesome All Purpose Cleaner ® complies with all current labeling requirements for ingredient disclosure on cleaning products. If you have an allergy, medical reason, or technical reason for wanting to know if LA’s Totally Awesome All Purpose Cleaner ® contains a particular item, please contact us at 800-482-2875 and we will help you as best we can.

Don't know what it is, but it works.

[tenuki]

Both riggers who recently quoated new lifelines for me stated that they no longer do vinyl coated lines for safety reasons. Apparently they are more prone to corrosion, and also hid any problems. Wondering if anyone had an opinion on that. I tend to agree with them but i'm sure there is room for debate.

[partassoc]

Originally Posted by tenuki

Both riggers who recently quoated new lifelines for me stated that they no longer do vinyl coated lines for safety reasons. Apparently they are more prone to corrosion, and also hid any problems. Wondering if anyone had an opinion on that. I tend to agree with them but i'm sure there is room for debate.

I am about to replace double lifelines on a 37 footer with gates port and starboard. Sure would be interested to hear pros and cons on this subject.

[Valiente]

I have heard "keep lines bare" now for some years. I saw the results when one snapped on a friend's boat when he reached for it in a non-critical situation. Perfectly sound appearing line snapped in two. He cut off the cover and found several feet of near total corrosion.

The options are Spectra or Spectra-style lines or uncoated SS, it seems. Or, like me, pipe rails!

[tigerregis]

VC lifelines really don't like acetone. However, it does work if you soak your rag and envelope the line and move in ONE direction only. Do not rub, scrub or they will get sticky and stay that way. Fenders? Never had any luck with them.