wrote
I'll check with them on my next trip, all I have to do is to be careful
about the new rule on the rotary;-)

Haven't been East for a while - What's the new rule on the rotary -
Starboard have right of way or Gross Tonnage rule?

lifelines

- 1x19 wire vs 7x7 plastic coated - In Europe, 1x19 plain wire is common
and practical - They call them guard rails. By way of an example:
http://www.s3i.co.uk/1x19PVC.php

Over here, we like the look of PVC coated wire.
http://www.bosunsupplies.com/product...?product=S0708

(There is a company that used to sell plastic covered lines with a fibre
core. They used a Norseman type end fitting. But they didn't look too strong
are hopefully no longer made.)

Either way (1x19 or 7x7), you need to buy end fittings and probably have
them machine swaged on. Even if you can use parts of your rigging screws and
pelican hooks, figure on at least $25.00 per fitting - This can add up,
especially if you have gates.

There are hand-crimp fittings that can be installed with a Nicopress tool -
Results don't look that good, especially when it's a DIY job.
http://www.bosunsupplies.com/product...ct=lifelinefit

Some older boats had chromed cast bronze end fittings that slid over the PVC
coated wire - all it takes to replace lifelines on these, is new wire and
copper nicopress stop fittings. May not be as strong as machine swaged
fittings, but thousands of boats still have these - including my own! Can't
find any reference to these on the web - may be a good reason?

Finally, a good reference to lifeline safety:

http://makeashorterlink.com/?W62322A9D