Protecting Dyneema lifelines at stanchions

[s/v Jedi]

Originally Posted by Jef & Marin, Netherlands

I also want to change to dyneema lifelines. We now have stainless wires, that rusts, with PVC over it, that becomes ugly and yellow, after only 6 years. The original stuff from 2003 was much better, as with most stuff you buy for boats nowadays.


A friend installed dyneema lifelines with a black hose over almost the complete length of the dyneema. I find that a very attractive option; we get chafe of the lifelines from the code 0 sheet. This sheet needs to go inside the lifelines for upwind courses, and outside the lifelines for straight downwind. Quite often it will touch. The PVC cover of our steel lifelines is worn through there.

I have seen black hose that is 1/4" inside and 3/4" outside, made of polypropylene. From McMaster-Carr in the USA.

Regretfully my friend doesn't remember what his black tubing is made of..... polypropylene, ABC, polyethylene, EPDM....
A 5 or 6 mm dyneema would nicely fit into this 1/4" / 3/4" tube, and the holes in the stanchions are 10mm.

I would appreciate a recommendation for what type of hose to use.
Thanks

I recommend to not use anything other than just bare Amsteel Blue. For a spot where you expect chafing from the code 0 sheet, you can splice a piece of Dyneema chafe sleeve over it.

[Boatguy30]

Hydraulic steering hose works well

[twofingerpoi]

Couple more options to consider...

https://www.amazon.com/Alex-Tech-10f...dp/B07FW5H57B/

I use this for wires at the base of the mast or other areas that are exposed to the elements, or where I was to bundle neatly. It is fairly UV resistant.

https://www.amazon.com/XFasten-Harne.../dp/B0B8JT4XLQ

This tape has good temperature resistance but not sure about UV.

My previous suggestion was for plastic or nylon split grommets, like these:

https://www.mcmaster.com/products/split-grommets/

I also like the other suggestion to use a flailing tool or swaging punch to flare some stainless tubing.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B093LRSZJ6