There appears to be a shortened version of the Class Rules on our web site.

I was discussing "Life Lines" with Frank Poupore #25 and made the claim that life lines were not required. He said they were.

I was citing rules I had received when I bought my boat and the Rules in my 1993 owners manual Article V Minimum Equipment, Para.D. Life lines clearly says, "Life lines are not required." "If they are used, they must meet the following criteria:"

Our discussion led me to look further. I found another set of "Rules" without a date, attached to an advertisement "Victory At Sea" without a date that clearly says, "Life lines ARE required (with the same criteria except for a "d." entry requiring "CONTINUOUS" from the aft stanchion to the bow pulpit) yikes!

Two issues. One, why are the entire Class Rules not on the web site and two, dated to assure they are current?

As a footnote, the deflection requirement appears prohibitive especially with today's high strength line available and I don't think one boat in the Detroit Fleet would meet it, further non-continuous seems to be a better "safety" requirement if that is the reason for the life lines.

On the other hand, if the requirement is merely to prevent bodily 'hiking'(ie bent outboard, assuming the stanchion bent)then why not clarify the rule?

Can the stanchions be replaced with a different design? Freezing pockets have caused mid-western boats havoc by cracking the hull retainer hole and allowing water into the core. Not a good situation.

Thanks for any thoughts..............Terry