jackline and tether revisited

[ronacarme]

Finally took a few moments to experiment with jackline locations on the X.
IMHO the most convenient location is centermounted, tensioned from a clip on the mainsheet attachment eye on the pedestal, fwd over the main hatch slider, thru a clip on the base support of the mast (or wrap the jackline aroune the mast base once), to tie to the bottom of the aft leg of the port side of the bow pulpit.
Conveniently allows me full travel from aft end of cockpit to bow even with a short 3-4 ft tether (crouching on deck of course).
Surprisingly, the jackline does not interfere with opening or closing the mainhatch slider.
My concern, however, is whether the pedestal is strong enuf, and if not, how best to reinforce it......any suggestions?
Ron

[Frank C]

I have purchased the jackline and tether - just haven't installed yet. But I surely don't believe the pedestal is appropriate. I have two stainless eyebolts planned to go thru the vertical companionway tracks, replacing one screw on each side track. At least for the 26X, the companionway structure is the heaviest layup on the entire boat - guessing about three-quarter inch thick.

• The jackline will extend from one eyebolt;
  up and forward along the slider;
  past the mast;
  through an enlarged deck padeye (mast raising padeye);
  then back along the opposite side deck to the second eyebolt
  (enabling transit along either side deck, past the mast).

It might be necessary to add another eyebolt for access to the aft cockpit, but it would need to be directly through the cockpit sole. The leverage your body weight could apply to the top loop on the pedestal is multiplied by its distance above the bolts holding it to the sole - way too much force to trust the pedestal could keep you aboard.

[James V]

I have an older way of doing things. I do not like jacklines on a small boat where I am the only crew or the crew is not strong enough to pull my 6' 4" 265 pounds up. 2 or more crew on watch at the same time, yes. If I fall off on the bow, I am pinned there. Most other places the free board is so high that I would not be able to pull myself up. Another way of doing this is to tie a long line to the mast and connect that to the safety harness. I use one of my 50 foot docklines. I can go anywhere on the baot and not disconnect myself. Than if (err, when??) I fall off, I float to the stern of the boat and use the swin ladder to pull myself up.

This is the system that was used on Atom - a 28 footer that was at sea for 27 years.

[joe povey]

Regarding the swim ladder. Had the drop keel stuck up, and had to free it. Presumably algae, or some similiar glop. In a river, not salt water.

Wanted to go under (am a SCUBA diver, but didn't get a bottle). Had a saftey harness, jackline and 6' tether (wife said that the 4 balls on the tether to the snap shakle pull were prayer beads in case of problems). Even at slack tide it was difficult to get sufficiently under to grasp the kel.

Comment is: Had one heck of a time getting up the swim ladder! An old geezer, about 200 pounds but in fair shape. Was told by more experienced that I should have a rope/line secured and use it for balance.

Used a 4" x 4" block with a towel around it and banged the bejesus in cabin sole.., did the trick!

Question: Want to replace the keel line/rope this winter when I pull the boat. The trailer interferes. Any suggestions?

Cheers!

[R Rae]

My present system is quite similar to James V idea.

I run a 26 foot 3/8 line from rear cleat up to the bow cleat, one on either side of the boat on the outside of everything. That way should (when) I fall over board I am not left hanging half in half out of the water, getting banged up from stanchions etc. If you get stuck up off the bow, wow, you are really stuck. Mind you, if you regularly practise one arm pull ups then no big deal, just remember and practise with your clothing on and carrying an extra 20-30 lbs of water.
Once back at the ladder the plan should be to have a spare boom vang or similar arrangement available.

Note: Even when, forty years ago I could perform the occasional one arm pull up, they were never fun.

[Retcoastie]

Joe,

I have my centerboard out now, but my X is on blocks. Looking at it, it seems like the center board would come out on the trailer if you let the front down first. Loosening the bolt might be a trick on the trailer so I think I would do it in the water just before pulling the boat. Just be sure not to remove the nut entirely until you had complete control of the board.

Good Luck.

Ken