Life Line Gate Details

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Life line gates are not complicated, yet often they are improperly detailed. The key element is to provide lateral support where the lifeline wire attaches. This is done by bringing the angled brace right to the top of the stanchion. Note also the flat plate tangs to which the lifelines attach.

On the other hand,

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this is the wrong way. Note how the brace is down from the wire attachment point. This allows the wire to put a bending load on the stanchion, the result of which is clearly shown.

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While we are on the subject look at these cool lifeline terminations. Nothing sharp on which to snag sails. But the tangs for the gate ends are small diameter rod. Strong initially, but after hundreds (or thousands) of bending cycles on the small welds are subject to fatigue.

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How about this for an intermediate wire intersecting with a cap shroud. Cleanly done.


Posted by Steve Dashew  (September 18, 2009)




2 Responses to “Life Line Gate Details”

  1. david miller Says:

    Good evening, Sorry to ask what may be an inappropriate question for this site but which grade of 5 bar tread plate did you use for the deck plates on Wind Horse? I can only find 5754 for my project and would rather use 5083.By the way love the boat


  2. Steve Dashew Says:

    Hi David:
    The deck plate is 5083.