[Public-List] Life lines

Wed Jul 9 06:02:14 PDT 2014

CB,
   I agree that the accumulated accomodations changes in the boats are a more significant weight difference then 10 pounds (50 feet of 3/8 wire is 12 pounds) or so in the lifelines.  Perhaps the key is whether the intent of the change is to save weight or to solve a problem?

Mike
Rinn Duin #272

-----Original Message-----
From: C.B. Currier [mailto:cbcurrier3 at gmail.com] 
Sent: Wednesday, July 09, 2014 8:46 AM
To: Meinhold, Mike J.; Alberg 30 Public List -- open to all
Subject: Re: [Public-List] Life lines

I beg to differ Mike - I do not see how the use of spectra lifelines vs steel lifelines would really make any rating difference or eliminate the boat from one-design. Particularly because the difference is negligible. 
The benefit is not really paaraent as changing out a cookstove and cooler would be the equivalent change - the weight differntial is a pound or so.  So knowing the scope of the difference I would doubt that a PHRF measurer and other one-design racers would really find that to be a substantial difference - another example is using spectra spinnaker halyard vs the old wire halyard. Both do the same job but one is aramid fibers and the other is wrapped wire.
CB Currier
Infinity #57
also a Melges 24 owner and racer

On 07/09/2014 08:11 AM, Meinhold, Mike J. via Public-List wrote:
> I believe that replacing your lifelines with Spectra would disqualify you from one-design racing, and should reduce your rating.
>
> Mike
> Rinn Duin #272
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Public-List [mailto:public-list-bounces at lists.alberg30.org] On 
> Behalf Of Glenn Brooks via Public-List
> Sent: Tuesday, July 08, 2014 6:43 PM
> To: Bill Newman; Alberg 30 Public List -- open to all
> Subject: Re: [Public-List] Life lines
>
> I changed my old plastic life lines for spectra lifelines three or four years ago, as a test, and have been happy as a clam ever since.  There is an interesting and long discussion on the cruising world forum about the high modulus fiber lifelines - basically spectra, dyneema, and or DuX brands.  The international sail racing federation apparently recommends 5mm diameter (10,000# breaking strength) Dyneema or DuX, or equivalent in non coated wire.
>
> One huge advantage, I think, is that one can always pull the lifelines off and use as standing or running rigging in an emergency.  So no more lugging around a bunch of nasty, heavy wire coils in the the bilge or wasting prime locker space whilst cruising the seven seas. Some of the local race boats have dropped hundreds of pounds of weight out of their rigging by replacing all wire with this stuff.
>
> Apparently The big concerns are using a proper splice that won't pull out, and that the fiber line must be turned around a 5:1 deadeye to retain max breaking strength.  So 5mm line needs 25 mm deadeye -1" eye.  Not a big deal... However, Looping around a pelican hook or other sharp radius reduces the breaking strength in half.  Down to 4,500#.  As that is the working load for lifting three bull moose off the ground, and the standard for pacific racing association life lines, I think I will  be staying with the fiber lines.
>
> Glenn B
> dolce 318
>
> Sent from my iPad
>
>> On Jul 8, 2014, at 1:27 PM, Bill Newman via Public-List <public-list at lists.alberg30.org> wrote:
>>
>> Hello Everyone,
>>
>> I am looking at replacing the lifelines on  No. 233, plastic covered and at least 25 years old.  They seem to be sound excepting a couple of cracks in the plastic and having only been in fresh water.  I have been doing a little internet research and the current fashion seems to be stainless wire without the plastic covering, now required in some races such as the Lake Ontario 300 mile race and also there is a new type of rope which is non stretch, UV resistant and apparently very strong. The wire on boats I have seen is fairly skinny and looks like it would be very uncomfortable to handle.  Any opinions on the subject will be appreciated.
>>
>> Regards,
>>
>> Bill Newman
>> Marion Rose III, No. 233
>>
>>
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