I thought I'd pump some life into this old thread to see if I could get opinions on Catalina Direct lifelines versus just buying the various parts from WM versus calling the rigger (easiest & most expensive route).

If you want your lifelines replaced professionally you will want to consider ordering yours through Rigging Only, [url]http://www.riggingonly.com/[/url]. They have been around for more than 20 years and they will do them right. In fact, the last time I had my lifelines replace I added two more gates, one on each side toward the bow. All you have to do is to remove the ones you are presesntly using, mark any changes and send them. Their prices are not nearly as expensive s Catalina, go figure. And and BTW, the turnaround time is usually three days!

For some reason my Creedence623 login isn't working, but anyway, I ended up getting the lifelines and installing them in about 3 1/2 hours. I've got to say, it was money well spent. The intallation was rediculously easy, and the new lifelines definitely give the boat a much cleaner appearance. I was pleasantly suprised, and highly recomend the project to anyone considering it.

[QUOTE=akorinek;2886]For some reason my Creedence623 login isn't working, but anyway, I ended up getting the lifelines and installing them in about 3 1/2 hours. I've got to say, it was money well spent. The intallation was rediculously easy, and the new lifelines definitely give the boat a much cleaner appearance. I was pleasantly suprised, and highly recomend the project to anyone considering it.[/QUOTE]

Good to hear from you, Creedence. I was kind of wondering if you had gone ahead with it or were still waiting for a reply to your February post.:eek: Glad to hear it worked out well, I think I'll do likewise. I've purchased things like cowl vents & rub rail from CD and have been very happy with their products & service so far.

Thanks,

Let me know how it goes, I'll be interested to hear. I have a new rubrail coming tomorrow so I'll be installing that this weekend. Good times!

[QUOTE=akorinek;2907]Let me know how it goes, I'll be interested to hear. I have a new rubrail coming tomorrow so I'll be installing that this weekend. Good times![/QUOTE]

LOL. My new rubrail just arrived. Maybe I'll let you go first so you can post any tips.:D BTW, if you're cowl vents are getting skunky looking like mine were after 18 years, the new ones from CD are perfect and make the boat look great.

[QUOTE=dejavu;2919]LOL. My new rubrail just arrived. Maybe I'll let you go first so you can post any tips.:D BTW, if you're cowl vents are getting skunky looking like mine were after 18 years, the new ones from CD are perfect and make the boat look great.[/QUOTE]

Sounds like we are on the same page here! I just spent 3 hours today installing the rubrail. I will post a new thread with the tips for the instal! I'm glad you mentioned the cowl vents; I think that's going to be my next purchase.

[QUOTE=akorinek;2941]I'm glad you mentioned the cowl vents; I think that's going to be my next purchase.[/QUOTE]

They are WELL worth the money in terms of improving the boat's appearance. And a few minutes to install.

[QUOTE=akorinek;2886]For some reason my Creedence623 login isn't working, but anyway, I ended up getting the lifelines and installing them in about 3 1/2 hours. I've got to say, it was money well spent. The intallation was rediculously easy, and the new lifelines definitely give the boat a much cleaner appearance. I was pleasantly suprised, and highly recomend the project to anyone considering it.[/QUOTE]
I know this post is "old" now but I appreciate seeing it as I am going to replace the lifelines on my 1986 C36 #569. I haven't ordered anything from Catalina Direct but after reading your posts I'll probably replace the cowl vents too.

Bonne
Casa Bonita
1986 #569
Ventura, CA

I have thought about carefully cutting the sheathing off my lifelines and leaving them as raw stainless steel. Has anyone considered that? Any insights to offer?

Larry, I replaced mine with the PVC coated and if I had to do it again I would go with uncoated wire. I have a good friend his are bare wire... no cleaning. More to your question, I burned one with my Honda 2000 and was able to trim away the burn to bare wire fairly easily; the now bare wire may need to be cleaned with some "Bright Boy" or "Rust-Away". But they should look like new after that.

[QUOTE=ProfDruhot;2884]If you want your lifelines replaced professionally you will want to consider ordering yours through Rigging Only, [url]http://www.riggingonly.com/[/url]. They have been around for more than 20 years and they will do them right. In fact, the last time I had my lifelines replace I added two more gates, one on each side toward the bow. All you have to do is to remove the ones you are presesntly using, mark any changes and send them. Their prices are not nearly as expensive s Catalina, go figure. And and BTW, the turnaround time is usually three days![/QUOTE]

I used Rigging Only this last week (lifeline replacement) and the turnaround was about a week with shipping to the Dallas area. They were very competitive on price.

Since I am on fresh water and my original lines lasted 14 years, I went with coated lines. I did not use the measurement form. I took off all hardware I could re-use (gate hooks, turnbuckles), marked each line (example: "PAU" - Port Aft Upper), and sent them in for an exact copy (12 lines w/ 24 swage fittings).They marked each new line exactly as I marked the originals and there were no issues with install.

While I doubt they will stretch, I decided to hold off on pinning/taping the turnbuckles until next weekend to let the lines settle and do any additional adjustments.

I would use Rigging Only again because of price and fast/accurate service.

If you do measure, don't assume that each side of a production boat is the same when it comes to lifeline lengths. Measure all lines. As an example, my aft upper lines are about 1 inch different between the two lines.

I was very pleased with the lifelines I purchased from Catalina Direct.
Took my wife and I about two hours to put them on, the crimping tool takes a while; five crimps per connection.
Priced them out against a few other sources and even after paying import brokerage fees and our wonderful Canadian taxes they were cheaper by at least 15%, and they fit!
They come with a gate on each side.
I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them.