Wire Lifelines vs Rigid Stainless steel??

[tkawika]

My question stems from the fact that I was originally advised to get 1" Rigid Stainless Steel (SS) rail in place of your standard lifeline SS wire. I actually hired someone to install 1" SS around the whole boat, but after a few visits from more experienced sailors and then from some reputable welders I was advised against it for a few reasons. The main reason was cost. To do it right I needed to add twice amount of 1" SS I had originally ordered and another 6 Stanchions. My spans were longer than the standard 40" (mine were over 80'') and needed more support. I have redesigned the whole deal and I using only 20ft of the 60ft of 1" SS to beef up and the stern section and I am going back to wire for the rest of the boat.

Besides the cost, is there any other reason why to stay away from rigid rail??

Thanks,
TK

[SloopJonB]

Originally Posted by tkawika

My question stems from the fact that I was originally advised to get 1" Rigid Stainless Steel (SS) rail in place of your standard lifeline SS wire. I actually hired someone to install 1" SS around the whole boat, but after a few visits from more experienced sailors and then from some reputable welders I was advised against it for a few reasons. The main reason was cost. To do it right I needed to add twice amount of 1" SS I had originally ordered and another 6 Stanchions. My spans were longer than the standard 40" (mine were over 80'') and needed more support. I have redesigned the whole deal and I using only 20ft of the 60ft of 1" SS to beef up and the stern section and I am going back to wire for the rest of the boat.

Besides the cost, is there any other reason why to stay away from rigid rail??

Thanks,
TK

Because it's ugly.

[fryewe]

"Because it's ugly." ...+1.

Why use wire? Why not rope? Strong, easily replaced, easily inspected, looks good...

[tkawika]

Originally Posted by fryewe

"Because it's ugly." ...+1.

Why use wire? Why not rope? Strong, easily replaced, easily inspected, looks good...

I have looked at Dyneema, but its just as expensive as cable and more in some cases. I have seen this Vectran on ebay, is this the same as Dyneema? Correct me if I am wrong the gates would still need to be wire?

[mitiempo]

A tensioned wire or synthetic rope lifeline has some give and can take a lot of abuse, as is common on a sailboat. A solid rail will dent if hit hard when docking or whatever. Suits powerboats better as they are less likely to abuse it like we do.

[deniseO30]

Originally Posted by tkawika

My question stems from the fact that I was originally advised to get 1" Rigid Stainless Steel (SS) rail in place of your standard lifeline SS wire. I actually hired someone to install 1" SS around the whole boat, but after a few visits from more experienced sailors and then from some reputable welders

Besides the cost, is there any other reason why to stay away from rigid rail??

Thanks,
TK

Allot of information seems to be missing. uh... WHAT are/were you thinking and why?
Do you have a project boat?
Was your boat missing stanchions when you got it?
What make year boat? A
Are you or your crew that fearful of falling over board?
Who was this "adviser"?
What would your boat be worth after this "improvement"?

[tkawika]

Originally Posted by deniseO30

Allot of information seems to be missing. uh... WHAT are/were you thinking and why?

I was thinking that it was stronger than lifelines and allowed for some more mature crew to hold on to.

Originally Posted by deniseO30

Do you have a project boat?

Aren't all boats projects? haha

Originally Posted by deniseO30

Was your boat missing stanchions when you got it?

No missing stanchions, just a boat from 1972

Originally Posted by deniseO30

What make year boat?

Sorry, its in my signature. 72 Coronado 35ft CC

Originally Posted by deniseO30

Are you or your crew that fearful of falling over board?

Yes, some of the crew don't have the best balance, but this has changed and these crew members will be tethered whenever on our way.

Originally Posted by deniseO30

Who was this "adviser"?

, exactly, but a family acquaintance.

Originally Posted by deniseO30

What would your boat be worth after this "improvement"?

Not an important factor, but probly the same as before.

Thanks for the response,
TK

[capecodda]

Tkawkia,

We extended the stern rails all along the cockpit where we convert to wire. We did this after looking at a few other boats with the same design, and we like it. Not only is it barely noticeable, but it has great utility. Great to lean against while sitting to leeward and beating, nice to hold onto, more places to hang your stuff (barbecue, horseshoe, dingy outboard, etc.), and was able to get the bimini bow's off the deck attached directly to the tubing, which created more room to sit on the coamings.

Good luck with yours

[tkawika]

Originally Posted by capecodda

Tkawkia,

We extended the stern rails all along the cockpit where we convert to wire. We did this after looking at a few other boats with the same design, and we like it. Not only is it barely noticeable, but it has great utility. Great to lean against while sitting to leeward and beating, nice to hold onto, more places to hang your stuff (barbecue, horseshoe, dingy outboard, etc.), and was able to get the bimini bow's off the deck attached directly to the tubing, which created more room to sit on the coamings.

Good luck with yours

We are only half way around the cockpit, but since I have a center cockpit its probably as far as yours. Do you have any pictures you can share? Would love to see other ideas.

Thank you,
TK

[capecodda]