Knots: Extension Lanyard

[scurvy]

Hi folks!

I recently purchased a new (to me) boat and have discovered that I need to lengthen the lifelines as they are too taught and the lower lifeline actually interferes with the operation of my winches. The previous owner tied four very strong and nicely dressed (extension) knots on the bow pulpit. I need to do the same for the lower lifeline in order to extend its length by about 8-10" so I can move the line outboard and out of the way of the winches.

Anyone have any suggestions on what type of knot or lanyard to use for this? New lifelines are (I am afraid) out of the question for this season. I need this extension to be both strong and attractive.

Thanks!
Chris

[knotaloud]

What about just adding another turnbuckle? It wouldn't need to be a true "lifeline" part, but just a stainless one from the hardware store.

[knotaloud]

Or...I just ran across these on ebay, eBay Motors: Four New Stainless Steel Turnbuckle

[sailaway21]

The lifelines are made of line and not wire rope?

[Sapperwhite]

Thats what I was thinking.....how the hell do you tie awell dressed knot in wire rope????

[knotaloud]

Originally Posted by Sapperwhite

Thats what I was thinking.....how the hell do you tie awell dressed knot in wire rope????

I'm guessing he has regular lifelines, but wants to add a small piece of line (rope) to the end, as a way of lengthening them, and he wants it to look pretty.

[hellosailor]

Chris-
Just a headsup, but if you will be racing that boat you are aware that there are rules governing how much slack can be in lifelines?

[scurvy]

Originally Posted by knotaloud

Or...I just ran across these on ebay, eBay Motors: Four New Stainless Steel Turnbuckle

Yep! Either of those would work! I have to dip the lower lifeline down a bit, so I thought that the ropework would give a bit more, but I think the turnbuckles could do the trick!

Thanks for the suggestions and the links!
Chris

[scurvy]

Originally Posted by hellosailor

Chris-
Just a headsup, but if you will be racing that boat you are aware that there are rules governing how much slack can be in lifelines?

Yes...Thanks very much! Probably no racing...at least in the immediate future until I can figure out a long term (and race legal) solution to this lifeline problem. The headsail sheet gets pinned between the lifeline and the winch right now...if I leave them as is, I wouldn't stand a chance on course! I have to push the sheet down and pull it sharply back up when releasing.

Thanks for the heads up!
Chris

[scurvy]

Originally Posted by sailaway21

The lifelines are made of line and not wire rope?

What???
No...just the extension piece that was used to lengthen the wire. The lines are not shackled directly to the eye hole on the bow rail, but rather a line is doubled back through the shackle (dressed and neatened) and the life line shackle is connected to that. It give me about 4-5" of play in the line, and it is still drum tight!!!

Chris