[C38] Lifeline failure

[Phil Gay]

Que Linda is 31 years old and probably has the original lifelines.  A few
weeks back I noticed a broken strand in the aft end of the port upper
lifeline wire at the eye that the upper gate section attaches to it.  I
removed the lifeline from the boat and was detaching the cotter ring from
the pin that connects the gated section of the lifeline to the long section
lifeline, when the eye "fell" off the wire.  Apparently all of the strands
were at or near failure.  I replaced the two upper lifelines with the
thought of removing the lower lifelines for replacement next.  A couple of
weeks past and a week ago I noticed that the lower starboard lifeline was
sagging.  It was separated at the turnbuckle at the front of the lifeline.
When I tried to screw it together again, I noticed that the stud was broken
off inside the turnbuckle.

 

I am amazed and pleased that the lines didn't break when someone was leaning
on them.  I am also amazed that there was so little evidence of a major
problem.  I would highly recommend that you thoroughly inspect and watch
your lifelines if they are more than 15 years old or maybe less.  The
breakage of the upper lifeline could have resulted in a fatality where the
water temperature is now a brisk 49 degrees near the surface.  I hope you
can learn from my experience.

 

Phil Gay

C38 049 Que Linda

Everett, WA

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