Lifeline netting...

[hellosailor]

"OK, so how do you rig the gates for cargo loading?"
Either add baby gates < g > or use the same netting, but add a lower bar/strap to hold it tight across the bottom. When you want to open the gate, release the bottom and the pelican both at the same time.

The only real reason lifelines are all at knee height is so the average 30"
inseam sailor can step over them without harming anything.

[sailingdog]

Umm... it depends... do you have an aluminum perforated toe rail? If you do, then you can attach the netting to the toe rail. BTW, I wouldn't use cup hooks, I would put padeyes in and then lash the netting to the padeyes. Cuphooks won't be as secure and are likely to catch other things as well... padeyes won't.

[scurvy]

Hahahha....I guess the zip ties are out??? ...never serious about that one as I think I read about them in another blog (although they did mention that the black ones do not get brittle in the elements). I was looking for a safe an efficient way to lash the netting to the lines...looks like the half hitch will do for now.

Wish that I had the perforated aluminum toe rail...but no such luck. Will have to run a separate line along the base of the stanchions and then lash the netting to that to keep it tight and secure.

[sailingdog]

A good way to do it is to use a light 3/16" line with a series of hitches running parallel to the lifelines... if you need to drop the netting in a hurry, you can cut the line and pull it free.

[teshannon]

Hellosailor,
Thanks, I'll give that a try.
SVdistantstar,
Don't ruin your toe rail with cup hooks! I plan to use the line that Sailingdog mentioned, it sounds like a lot better way to do it.
Tom Shannon

[Boasun]

Secure the Netting to the top life line and the toe rail (the Al perforated one) with a few turns of small stuff at each bight of the netting. This way if you have to remove it. You only need to cut the small stuff.
Terminate the netting at the gates and have a separate piece of netting for the gates.


That netting is called "Snaking" in the Navy and it has saved my life a couple of times.

And if you have little ones on board your boat it will help keep them between the gunnels.

[teshannon]

To all,
Thanks for your input, it's much appreciated.
Tom Shannon

[scurvy]

Put up the netting on the port side (took a while!), and this weekend I will finish the job off. Looks good and sturdy and gives us a little "peace of mind" when it comes to the little ones. This coupled with the harness system and jacklines...and watchful eyes, we should be able to provide a safe and fun experience for the girls!

Thanks to everyone who contributed, and if there are any more suggestions, keep 'em coming!!!

Chris & Kerin
1973 Albin Vega #1865
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