Eliminating lifelines?

[sailor1924]

Originally Posted by sully75

Just pointing out you seem to be making a case for tethers > lifelines!

Also you have one of my dream boats!

Sully,

I think well designed railings and lacing is much safer then depending on a tether that might have to be detached and reattached. In talking about my almost overboard both times though the lifeline were far less then an ideal system they did keep me aboard. And the way I learned it was drummed into me; "One hand for the ship an one hand for yourself." I often think a tether encourages risk by not following that old adage.

I'm not sure that my solution would be correct for a much smaller boat and a much younger man.

However:
As Northwest Sailor said.
"I tossed my lifelines last year but replaced them with a hard handrail. Never felt safer on a boat."

I agree with him completely, I've sailed lots of different boats and also never felt safer then on a boat with a hard handrail. That doesn't mean that harnesses and tethers are without value.

Good luck and far sailing and thanks for the compliment of my boat.