As most know, S/S doesn't like to be deprived of air, especially if salt water gets in.

Below is a pic of a 20yo stay that had tube over it for about 5 years!
I think the tube shrunk over the years and was drum tight on the S/S.

Just a thought for those cruisers out there with covered lifelines, there is a very good reason they are illegal for racing!!

Even painting inside the cabin, be sure to put a bit of masking tape around the nuts and end of the bolts so they don't get painted over.
whats the school of thought rumblefish with the Stalok fittings, some say to put a dab of silicone or whatever inside the fitting around the wedge to keep the water out, others say not to?
cheers

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BlueMoon said..
Even painting inside the cabin, be sure to put a bit of masking tape around the nuts and end of the bolts so they don't get painted over.
whats the school of thought rumblefish with the Stalok fittings, some say to put a dab of silicone or whatever inside the fitting around the wedge to keep the water out, others say not to?
cheers

I wouldn't bother as you never will stop the water.
Tge water travels down inside the wire so no silicone will stop it!