Seamanship - Line handling

[Will Gilmore]

I wanted to share this video and technique from the Annapolis Performance Sailing Web site [://www.apsltd.com]
It demonstrates the correct method for coiling braided line and why.

I especially like to coil this way on all my water hoses. Never any kinks.

- Will (Dragonfly)

 

[justsomeguy]

You wouldn't believe how many old farts* still cling to their "perfect" coils.

*You know who you are.

 

[Cowpokee]

Thanks Will

 

[NYSail]

Nice

 

[shemandr]

"Flake don't coil"

 

[Will Gilmore]

"Flake don't coil"

Can you flake in hand? I think this way you can stow your lines and take them out to use. Doesn't flaking require laying out on the deck?
- Will (Dragonfly)

 

[justsomeguy]

"Flake don't coil"

Isn't that practice a holdover from when 3 strand dock lines were more prevalent?
Edit- I'm thinking "Flemish flake". Never mind.

 

[AlastairLC]

Thanks Will. That video should be required viewing for all new sailors.

 

[Jim 5757]

Hey Who you calling a flake? Happy New Year to all!!!

 

[Will Gilmore]

Isn't that practice a holdover from when 3 strand dock lines were more prevalent?

No. Twisted rope can be coiled in a single loop because it has a natural twist. It is important for braided line to reverse any curve twisted into it to prevent it from kinking.
- Will (Dragonfly)

 

[Jim 5757]

Hey... I ain't no flake! Happy New Year to all!!!

 

[justsomeguy]

No. Twisted rope can be coiled in a single loop because it has a natural twist.

But if you introduce more or less twist than already present...
Trust me, you can hockle 3 strand too.

 

[Will Gilmore]

But if you introduce more or less twist than already present...
Trust me, you can hockle 3 strand too.

Yes, at a point, that is true.
Putting a load on twisted rope causes it to untwist. When twisted rope is made, the individual strands are twisted in the reverse direction and the three strands naturally twist together locking themselves into their helix.
After being released from load they will roll back up to a point but keeping a twist in them helps maintain their life. This is not true for braided rope.
That is my understanding, anyhow.
- Will (Dragonfly)

 

[RussC]

Sheet bags can also be very useful, for trailer size boats anyway! I just made these yesterday to replace some old dilapidated ones. Sunbrella has the mesh by the yard.

 

[Will Gilmore]

Sheet bags can also be very useful, for trailer size boats

Oh yeah, I like that. Go really well on my mariner 19.
I wonder if something like that would work for my anchor rode?
- Will (Dragonfly)

 

[Newport Bob]

Will, re kinked water hose,
I replaced the standard PITA hose with this four seasons ago. Easy to stow and handle, especially when cruising.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Pocket-Hose-1-2-in-Dia-x-50-ft-Dura-Rib-Expanding-Hose-9946-6/206650986

 

[BobbyFunn]

I especially like to coil this way on all my water hoses. Never any kinks.

Even though some hoses contain a braided internal support i suggest an alternative that i learned in dive school. Its basically a stack of rolling hitches.

It works with line and electrical cords, however, it is too risky to use for line, as if one of the line goes through tbe stack you will end up with a granny knot for every loop. If for example your foot was in the stack as the line was pulled you would have a rolling hitch taking you away.

Its perfect for hookah, dive hoses, water lines, and electrical cable where sharp radius are not desired, and little risk of getting trapped in center.

 

[RussC]

Oh yeah, I like that. Go really well on my mariner 19.
I wonder if something like that would work for my anchor rode?
- Will (Dragonfly)

What a great idea, Will!

This was the other project I bought the mesh for. anchor rode is out for the winter, but I'm thinking this will help it dry faster next season. there's a plastic bottom inside the mesh bag to keep it up off the bottom of the locker box.

 

[BobbyFunn]

Theres a bunch of ways of coiling braided rope like this from wrappong around head, winches, legs, etc. The final shape is that figure 8.

What i dont get is some users hold the line at the loop end and tie off at the loop, and others hold the coil where the loops cross, allowing the loops to fall over. When done the coil is already folded. The tie off is made at the fold rather than either loop.

Has anyone had a professional reason for folding, not folding? Risks with either?

 

[Jim 5757]

Will, re kinked water hose,
I replaced the standard PITA hose with this four seasons ago. Easy to stow and handle, especially when cruising.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Pocket-Hose-1-2-in-Dia-x-50-ft-Dura-Rib-Expanding-Hose-9946-6/206650986

We had a few people at our marina who got these- they're very nice, but I was told they don't hold up if left in the sunlight. Anyone else heard of this?