It has become a habit of mine to keep my eyes open when cruising the boat yard. I see many things. Specifically, I am looking for all things improper or unsafe. It didn’t take long to make a large list of possible lifeline projects. As a key safety device, a lifeline configuration on a boat needs to be inspected often. Frayed wires, loose fittings, bent or loose stanchions, and poor hardware choices are but a few of the more common issues with a lifeline system.

The system needs to have all the proper terminations with full adjustability. Your system may have gates aft, amidships, or none at all. Which ever is the case, all the right hardware needs to be in order. Each section needs to have some type of adjustment for proper tensioning. Terminating each section with either a pelican hook or a turnbuckle is the solution here. As for pelican hooks, the newer generations of pelican hooks are smaller, easy to use, and have a nice appearance.

If your system has gates it is important that the associated stanchions are supported with gussets. With a gate open a stanchion without support will bend, thus causing the lifelines to become slack.

Wire needs to be inspected especially where it runs through the stanchion. Frayed wires are an obvious concern. The choices of wire are vinyl coated or un-coated. While coated wire is common, it is nearly impossible to know the condition of the wire under the coating. From an aesthetic perspective coated wire becomes worn and unsightly at the stanchion where as un-coated wire does not.

In any case, your lifelines are an important safety device and should be inspected. The lifelines can be inspected as part of the complete Torresen Marine Rig Inspection. Contact John Schumacher at Torresen Marine Service Department to discuss this topic.

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