How to install lifeline netting.

soulfinger · #1 (**permalink**) 10-03-2010

So, I just ordered $300 worth of netting from Defender to install around my lifelines as a last line of defense against my increasingly mobile daughter falling overboard. Anybody know what's the best way to install this stuff on my Catalina 350? It's got stanchions and double life lines, but no toe rail to hook stuff to.

Faster · #2 (**permalink**) 10-03-2010

On a former boat w/o toerails I strung a taut cord between stanchions just above the deck and lashed netting/lacing to that. Start at one end, tight clove hitches around each stanchion and carry on to the next.

T37Chef · #3 (**permalink**) 10-03-2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by Faster

On a former boat w/o toerails I strung a taut cord between stanchions just above the deck and lashed netting/lacing to that. Start at one end, tight clove hitches around each stanchion and carry on to the next.

Genius! Why didn't I think of that? Wait, don't answer that!

brak · #4 (**permalink**) 10-03-2010

That seems like expensive netting. I bought netting for my boat back in the day from these guys: Boat Rail Netting
It's about $0.60 a foot so 70 feet would cost about $40. Excellent quality stuff.

I also never installed it because I found (on other boats and through experience) that it doesn't really do much for me (YMMV) (So that netting is still in the box in my attic somewhere

)

P.S. Looked it up. $7/yard (so about $2.30/ft) - that kinda borders on a rip-off, if you ask me. Defender seems to be doing the West Marine thing nowadays.

soulfinger · #5 (**permalink**) 10-04-2010

Wow, it looks like I got really hosed on the netting. I always trusted Defender for the best prices...looks like I can't do that anymore.

Should I unthread all the lifelines, and then run them through the netting? Or is there any easier way?

Sabreman · #6 (**permalink**) 10-04-2010

No need to unthread the lifelines, although it certainly is easy enough and will definitely work. Alternately, you can simply zip tie the netting to the lifelines or more traditionally, weave a line from the bow to stern, passing the line (1/8"-ish) through the netting and the lifelines in a spiral fashion. Same concept for the bottom when attaching the netting to the line or cable strung tightly between stanchions.

dieselboy · #7 (**permalink**) 10-04-2010

If ya need help.... There are two guys here who need to do the same to their boats and im sure would love to help? I dont have kids or dogs to need it but they do and were all in Legend Point.
But free labor is free labor..

Faster · #8 (**permalink**) 10-05-2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sabreman

No need to unthread the lifelines, although it certainly is easy enough and will definitely work. Alternately, you can simply zip tie the netting to the lifelines or more traditionally, weave a line from the bow to stern, passing the line (1/8"-ish) through the netting and the lifelines in a spiral fashion. Same concept for the bottom when attaching the netting to the line or cable strung tightly between stanchions.

Keep in mind with 'zip ties' that a) they will degrade in UV over time, and b) if you're not careful about snipping the ends off they leave be very sharp ends - twist them off or maybe melt them smooth somehow.

Also, 'cheap' zipties will release themselves, esp on a shock type load so try to get good ones, and keep an eye on their condition.

bruceyp · #9 (**permalink**) 10-06-2010

I removed the upper lifeline and wove it through the netting and then used the ties on each stantion. BTW, a secondary function of the netting is it keeps "stuff" from rolling off the deck. I.E. fenders.
BP