Ideas Regarding Spray Cloths

[DDabs]

I have recently had two cloths made up for the lifelines, but I am trying to figure out the best way to securely tie them. I have a small high strength line that I can keep one length or cut into separate pieces.

I am just looking for some ideas on what kind of knots to tie to secure these.

Here are some photos:







I have them simply tied at the corners now just to hold them up.

[gtunison]

How about zip ties?

[boatman61]

Plastic cable ties work well..

[SaucySailoress]

I'm with the cable ties idea. A boat ain't a boat unless it's held together with cable ties...

[Terra Nova]

The problem with cable ties is that their cut ends can cut you or your gear. How about stainless split rings, to the lifeline?

[gtunison]

And tape!

[boatman61]

Originally Posted by Terra Nova

The problem with cable ties is that their cut ends can cut you or your gear. How about stainless split rings, to the lifeline?

don't cut them real short.. hold them closed with pincers/whatever and drop a blob of super glue on.. looks neat and no snagging..

[Steve Bean]

Am I the only one who thinks cable ties are ugly, sharp, and lubberly? How about some shipshape lashings of nylon twine or tarred marline? But then, I am known to some as "Knotman."

[xeon_tsd]

Originally Posted by boatman61

don't cut them real short.. hold them closed with pincers/whatever and drop a blob of super glue on.. looks neat and no snagging..

That is so simple and brilliant!

[Jim Cate]

FWIW,

We've found that having the weather cloths tied firmly at the bottom (in particular) can lead to their being torn when struck by a heavy wave top. We've used small bungy cord (~3/16 inch) to secure them, and it gives enough to help preserve them in heavy going.

If you do use cable ties, melting the cut ends with a hot knife reduces the cutting problem, and is pretty quick and easy.

Cheers,

Jim

[bornyesterday]

Toggle ball bungees?

[Terra Nova]

At a lifeline gate you could slide the lifeline into a hemmed edge.

[DDabs]

Thanks for all the responses everyone.

Regarding zip-ties or plastic ties, no offense to anyone but it doesn't really appeal to me aesthetically. To me it looks cheap. I'm leaning towards the idea of using stainless split rings to the lifelifes, and even into the stanchions.

Jim, thanks for the heads up. Maybe I could allow a bit more slack on the bottom. I'm also debating whether to tie to the toe rail or the bottom of the stanchions at the bottom corners.

Since I already have the line, I was mainly just wondering if anyone who has something like this has a certain type of knot that they used that holds strong (I'm new to knot tying).

[socaldmax]

In response to those who mentioned cable ties having a sharp edge, that is the result of using wire cutters to trim them. The proper tool is flush cutters, which leaves no sharp edge protruding.

I'm not recommending the use of zip ties for this application, just pointing out the proper tool for trimming cable ties, if you aren't using a cable tie gun.

[darylat8750]

+1 for the toggle ball bungees.

If someone uses a lot of cable ties the flush cut side cutters will save a lot of scratched hands.