Long Hello

[ragebot]

I am a sailor who cruises on my 42 foot catamaran when it is not hurricane season; often times in somewhat remote places without the things wifi, internet, and reliable constant electric power. I do have good solar and a fair size battery bank on the boat but I can really only count on an electric budged of maybe 200 amp hours every 24 hours. Not to mention I am normally in a hot, humid, salt air climate.

Since I am on a sailboat there are a lot of lines (only landlubbers call them ropes) to deal with and I have seen some folks claim you can seize synthetic lines with a laser. Also seen claims that lasers can be used as a very visible emergency locater in the event of an emergency. It sorta seems like that might suggest a low power laser for line work (including cutting lines), and a higher power one to be visible at the longest range at night possibly in bad weather.

Not to mention a laser on a boat would need to be fairly durable. I am guessing this means a store bough one instead of me building one. Right now I am looking at the Sanwu Striker 7w, multi operational mode, with standard lens (cuz I don't know any better), with the beam extender and batteries. I already have a charger. Not sure what would be a good choice for a lighter weight laser to deal with lines (mostly Dyneema and nylon), or maybe a big boy one would work. Also getting glasses.


Any advice welcome.

 

[lasersbee]

First... Welcome to the Forum.

To cut synthetic boat line with a Laser will
depend on the diameter... material composition
and color of the lines. It would require a High
Powered Laser.

For Emergency signalling a low to medium powered
Green Laser would do the trick.
Laser Safety Goggle/Glass are a must for over 5mW
Lasers.

I'm sure other members will chime in with other
suggestions.

In the mean time.. enjoy your stay.


Jerry

 

[ragebot]

First... Welcome to the Forum.

To cut synthetic boat line with a Laser will
depend on the diameter... material composition
and color of the lines. It would require a High
Powered Laser.

SNIP

Jerry

Good point. I had read here that sometimes a blue laser will not pop blue balloons as easily as black balloons but sorta forgot it. I was using one of the plasma cigar lighters to cut the rope but it simply was not big enough to cut/seize anything bigger that maybe 1/4 inch. I am guessing I will be getting a blue laser since they seem to be priced lower but that is not set in stone.


Your point is well taken about line color, so the next question is what would be the best combination of laser color and line color to most easily cut the line. There are several line colors I can choose from, but black line is not that common. Would colors from the violet end or the red end be better for ease of cutting.

Some of the ready made lasers come in a kit with glasses and that are based on the color of the laser. Is there some combination of laser color and safety glasses that is safer than other combinations.

 

[paul1598419]

Using a laser to cut synthetic lines sounds like someone's daydream. I would think a knife would work better for this. In stormy weather and at great distances you might want a 1 watt green laser as the beam diverges quickly after a couple hundred meters and at further distances would become far less visible. If you are planning on using it to signal at less distances, then a lower power would work. Since this is a salt water environment you will want a handheld that is water resistant and that usually costs more. Good luck, and welcome to the LPF.

 

[ragebot]

Using a laser to cut synthetic lines sounds like someone's daydream. I would think a knife would work better for this.

SNIP

Stuff like Amsteel and Dyneema is almost other worldly slick (not to mention weight for weight it is stronger and has less stretch than stainless steel wire) so much so that it seems like there is oil on it. I have tried ceramic knives and very expensive sewing scissors I use when repairing sails or doing canvas work. There is also a problem using a conventional lighter to melt the end of the line so it does not unravel. Sailing forums have long threads about how to best cut the stuff and seize lines. I make a lot of soft shackles on my boat so I wind up cutting Dyneema and Amsteel a lot in maybe 3-10 foot lengths.

But what I am really looking for is advice about specific options to buy. So far the Sanwu 7w 450 Striker looks like one option, along with the beam expander and a pair of 445-470 glasses is on my initial shopping list; but that could easily change. One thing that I wonder about is that the glasses from Sanwu are $US10 and I am not sure about the quality at that price.

 

[hakzaw1]

Just now reading your intro thread-- it puts a lot of things in perspective ..
I will look over your posts here and add what I can.. one thing is-- some things done easily in a lab or home are not easy under other situations. I was on a sinking FS (Fishing Vessel) at night.. all we had was a CB. ran aground. close to the beach .. no storm.. otherwise a nice night. but still a hectic time. broke the keel off-- 35 yr old Chris Craft wood 28 foot w/ new diesel engine.-- which we were able to salvage and sell. btw I was against us leaving from Naples heading to Key West--virgin voyage except for a few runs around the bay.

anyway
hand holding a laser makes everything much harder to do. if cutting line... the laser needs to be on target 100%. takes longer than many think. We have already 'talked' about much.. but nice job on yr first thread..
Green is seen from much farther away- mostly it looks like a green flicker or distant strobe-- but if they( help) stop seeing you.. NG

need to keep them looking and try to flash your laser or LED towards any light... I would flash across fast 3 times--then slow 3 times..then repeat ... to send SOS- btw for those not knowing its SOS SOS SOS not sososos..JK