Rigging news

When used in lifelines uncoated wire tends to lasts longer than coated wire. The PVC coating is susceptible to UV and mechanical/chafe damage. Additionally, most coated wire used for lifelines have a 7 x 19 or a 7 x 7 configuration as opposed to the 1 x 19 that is typically used in standing rigging. Manufacturers use the multi-strand wires because they are more flexible and able to withstand the bends through the lifeline stanchions

Unfortunately, if the coating is compromised and seawater is allowed to penetrate the wire, multi-strand corrodes faster than 1 x19 because it is composed of more and smaller strands. For this reason coated lifelines are no longer considered acceptable in some ocean races.

Now with all that said, even coated lifelines last a relatively long time. Normal life in our Northwest climate is ten years. You can usually gage their live by inspecting them for rust and corrosion where the coating is stripped at the swage fittings. Certainly once the coating has started to crack or break along the lifeline it is time for replacement. You can extend the life of your lifelines by:

Not hanging or tying fenders or other gear from them.

Keeping them firmly tensioned.

Not leaning or resting against them un-necessarily.

Periodically washing them down with fresh water.

    If your boat has a relatively straight lifeline run uncoated type 316 1 x 19 is preferable to coated multi-strand. With 1 x 19 many of the problems associated with the coated multi-strand wire are eliminated and it lasts a long time.

   As to the wire v. hi-tech line question I see advantages and disadvantages for both. Any line that you use, whether covered or un-covered, has about the same initial cost and will need to be replaced every three to five years. Line will need to be inspected more often as it is prone to chafe. The advantage of line is that you can re-use your fittings and replace it yourself if you have the splicing skills.