Guard Wires "Parafil"

[JIM_TEAL]

Guard Wires \"Parafil\"

I have Lifeleines made of a plastic Coated fibre rope. I think it is called "Parafil". The yacht came with a coil pf unused "Parafil". My Surveyors report reccomened replacement with 5mm S/S wire.
Given that I have enough of the original to replace does any one know anything about "Parfil" and any good reason why I should not replace like for like?
Jim J

 

[jerryat]

Re: Guard Wires \"Parafil\"

Can't see why you shouldn't. I had Parafil on my Hustler 30 for many years and had no problems at all. It should be replaced though if there is any sign of wear/aging. I can see where your surveyor is coming from but, whilst stainless steel is probably inherently stronger, neither is really intended to stop you falling overboard IMHO. And stainless can fail without warning.

I dslike the term 'lifelines' anyway, as I believe it gives a false impression that these thin wires will save you from a 'proper' fall, and always tell any new crew that they are guidelines and would probably NOT save them on their own.

CHeers
Jerry

 

[shamrock]

Re: Guard Wires \"Parafil\"

If they are in good condition, leave them as they are. They will eventually show signs of cracking where they run through the stancions, then replace them.

The advantage of parafil was that I could 'do-it-myself', and whilst I was fitting them, one of the guys from the local yard wandered by, sucked his teeth and said 'eh, well, you don't want to be doing that. You need stainless, cos the UV light rots the fibres in those and they fall apart when you least expect it'

It was only after he'd gone that I thought it through and remembered that the fibres, being beneath 2-3mm of plastic, won't ever see any UV light, and I put his comments down to local 'business development' methods.

 

[Mirelle]

Re: Guard Wires \"Parafil\"

I also used to use it. Perfectly good stuff and not sure why it went out of production. I can even remember the YM report on it when it came out - much recommended by JDS! If I could still get it I would use it now.

 

[pvb]

Not out of production...

Parafil is still available, and a number of online chandlers sell it.

 

[JIM_TEAL]

Re: Not out of production...

Thanks all. I'll get on with it.