Boat Lifelines - Ease of Access Problem

Sometimes the most difficult problems to solve can have the simplest resolution, provided you know who to talk to! 

This article was written by David Proctor, a freelance yachting journalist who has semi-retired in Spain looking after a classic boat that he shares with his wife and two dogs. We welcome Dave as our guest blogger!

My problem was that on my 27-foot boat, the wire lifelines extended to the rear of the cockpit, these then joined, by means of a turnbuckle, onto where the pushpit frame takes over and this fully enclosed the aft of the boat. 

Indeed the only easy access route onto the boat was via the bow (the Swedes, who built my boat) often adopted this design, as apparently it is the done thing to moor forwards in Sweden. 

The problem that I had was that this access point was useless when it came to installing a swim ladder (I guess it was not something that was actively thought about in those colder climes). Further, my two dogs and some senior friends found coming on board that way difficult. 

Of course, I was also concerned that in the event of a Man Overboard situation, then it would be far safer for the person being rescued to have easier access to the cockpit rather than have to either climb over the lines or for him/her to have to wait for me to release the turnbuckles. 

I could not use the transom as an access point, given that the pushpit frame actually overhangs the transom and I was loathe to cut this frame to form a gate. No, what I needed was some form of access point somewhere near the cockpit along the beam. 

At first, I thought it would be necessary to install a new pair of gate-style stanchions or possibly renew the whole of my life-rail system in some way. 

I spoke to Phil at Upffront.com and as quick as a flash, he recommended The Wichard lifeline hooks.  

These simple devices, which are below €40 each, simply replace the existing ‘fixed’ turnbuckles where the lifeline connects to the pushpit and mean you can easily (apparently one-handedly) drop the lines by releasing the lock, then when you need to put the lines back into place they simply lock in. 

This allows me to hook on the swim ladder that we have and the person coming up the ladder can easily climb into the cockpit. It will also enable the lines to be dropped for ease of access for my dogs and our friends. 

Phil reassured me that this French company manufacture these locks to be extremely strong, UV resistant and corrosion free, whilst maintaining a compact and lightweight design. 

That’s the benefit of having an expert available!

If you have any questions regarding this article or want expert, impartial advice on any aspect of your boat’s equipment, please feel free to contact Upffront by email, at: [email protected] 

By telephone at +49 431 2202140 

Or through the contact form by clicking here. 

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BOAT LIFELINES

✍︎ David Proctor has been a sailing enthusiast as far back as he can remember. Sailing on his Parents’ boat Koloa from a young age, and getting caught up in the stories of the time, of people like Sir Frances Chichester, Eric Tabarly, Alain Colas, and Claire Francis. After an eclectic career, Dave semi-retired to Spain. He then discovered a passion for writing and also renewed his love of sailing.