Lifelines

[tcac92405]

I have a 1989 Cat 34 and the life lines are turning dark. has anyone tried covering them or using a paint product to pretty them up? I know the metal is sound its just the white covering that is ugly.

[mgmhead]

Try cleaning the covering with a product like goo-gone, or some solvent you may have on hand.

[tcac92405]

I just noticed a two page thread on this topic. I will try some of the suggestions.

[olson34]

Originally Posted by tcac92405

I have a 1989 Cat 34 and the life lines are turning dark. has anyone tried covering them or using a paint product to pretty them up? I know the metal is sound its just the white covering that is ugly.

If... those are original lifelines, you may have convinced yourself that the metal is "sound" but, really, it's not.
Too many years and too much exposure.
(Your bio does not reveal location, BTW.)

I personally know of three boats from that era that suffered broken lifelines - all involved a failure of the wire or a fitting. None showed any flaw to any normal inspection.
That's why we replaced ours almost a decade ago. We had corroded wire where the old vinyl had shrunk back, frozen turn buckles, and much discoloration on the remaining covers. We changed to bare SS with new JSI pelican's. Those new-design pelican hooks are one of the best upgrades we've ever done, BTW.

Regards,
L

[tcac92405]

thank you for the insight. what did it cost to replace the wire?

[olson34]

Originally Posted by tcac92405

thank you for the insight. what did it cost to replace the wire?

Some good info in this prior thread: Replacing lifelines - a do-it-yourself job? - Page 2
See reply 19, among others.

Short answer is that our cost was about $700. The cost of SS has gone up since then, so it would be a few $ more, today.

L

[tcac92405]

thank you!

[overbored]

I would never have bare wire life lines. if you do then you have never fallen against one and had some skin ripped off. bare or old vinyl covered wire can be covered with teflon snap on wire covers. these work great on any wire you might rub aganst.
Snap On Cable Covers (Davis Instruments) - Shroud Covers & Mast Boots

[tcac92405]

that is what i was looking for!!! thank you! how much to cover lifelines for your 33?

[overbored]

I only have it everywhere on my catamaran. i have vinyl cover on the 33 but i have it around the vinyl where it goes thru the stanchion so it won't wear thru the vinyl. your sails love it too, it cheaps the sails from getting dirty from the bare wire.