Most of us keep some amount of spare line aboard -- line that has no specific, regular use, but is just there for odd jobs or emergencies. How many feet, and how many lines, do you carry? What have you used them for in the past? What's the most unusual use you've found for your spare line? Drop us a line here, then be sure to vote in the Quick Quiz at the bottom of the home page. (Quiz contributed by Dan Knox, Beneteau First 235 'La Petite Myphi')
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2 Spares
One is a changing sheet (15')for use if the original sheet needs to be eased for maybe an override or a headsail peal. The other is used as a climbing line (75')for use with my assenders if I need to go aloft, I never climb the main halyard. Of course, they can be used for anything else provided the length is right.
One is a changing sheet (15')for use if the original sheet needs to be eased for maybe an override or a headsail peal. The other is used as a climbing line (75')for use with my assenders if I need to go aloft, I never climb the main halyard. Of course, they can be used for anything else provided the length is right.
not nearly enough!
I can't help being a "neat freak" aboard my O'day 30, STARGAZER. The only way I can justify anything "extra" on-board is if I really think I'll use it. Extra lines I don't use! I guess I've been lucky in that I've never needed any extra lines. What I do have has been sufficient. I don't have nearly enough lines "just-in-case" but I have to draw the "line" somewhere! Bill
I can't help being a "neat freak" aboard my O'day 30, STARGAZER. The only way I can justify anything "extra" on-board is if I really think I'll use it. Extra lines I don't use! I guess I've been lucky in that I've never needed any extra lines. What I do have has been sufficient. I don't have nearly enough lines "just-in-case" but I have to draw the "line" somewhere! Bill
A LOT!
As a climber and a sailor, I have no shortage of line around my house and boat. In fact, I have about 500 feet of retired climbing rope onboard to use as tow line, anchor line, mooring line, etc. I also keep short coils of various lines and a spare halyard around just in case.
As a climber and a sailor, I have no shortage of line around my house and boat. In fact, I have about 500 feet of retired climbing rope onboard to use as tow line, anchor line, mooring line, etc. I also keep short coils of various lines and a spare halyard around just in case.
Lotsa line
My Catalina 27 has about 100' of various sizes - from 1/8" to use as a messenger line to 1/2" & larger to use as extra dock lines in case a hurricane threatens, which it has numerous times in the past. Most recently Hurricane Isabel came through but did no damage to the boat - and the extra dock lines earned their keep! All the extra line sits in the starboard cockpit locker with other emergency gear.
My Catalina 27 has about 100' of various sizes - from 1/8" to use as a messenger line to 1/2" & larger to use as extra dock lines in case a hurricane threatens, which it has numerous times in the past. Most recently Hurricane Isabel came through but did no damage to the boat - and the extra dock lines earned their keep! All the extra line sits in the starboard cockpit locker with other emergency gear.
A LOT, too!
We have lots of extra line. Every time we replace new line, we keep the old. So we have a couple of halyards and a couple of jib sheets as well as assorted old reefing lines. What I really think we need to keep a few of are carabiners though, from what I read of Larry's posting. My husband's motto is: never throw out extra line, unless it really is so old as to be dangerous.
We have lots of extra line. Every time we replace new line, we keep the old. So we have a couple of halyards and a couple of jib sheets as well as assorted old reefing lines. What I really think we need to keep a few of are carabiners though, from what I read of Larry's posting. My husband's motto is: never throw out extra line, unless it really is so old as to be dangerous.
A LOT, but I think we need carabiners, too!
We have lots of extra line. Every time we replace new line, we keep the old. So we have a couple of halyards and a couple of jib sheets as well as assorted old reefing lines. What I really think we need to keep a few of are carabiners though, from what I read of Larry's posting. My husband's motto is: never throw out extra line, unless it really is so old as to be dangerous.
We have lots of extra line. Every time we replace new line, we keep the old. So we have a couple of halyards and a couple of jib sheets as well as assorted old reefing lines. What I really think we need to keep a few of are carabiners though, from what I read of Larry's posting. My husband's motto is: never throw out extra line, unless it really is so old as to be dangerous.
A LOT, but I think we need carabiners as well!
We have lots of extra line. Every time we replace new line, we keep the old. So we have a couple of halyards and a couple of jib sheets as well as assorted old reefing lines and extra docking lines. What I really think we need to keep is a few extra carabiners, though, from what I read of Larry's posting. My husband's motto is: never throw out extra line, unless it really is so old as to be dangerous.
We have lots of extra line. Every time we replace new line, we keep the old. So we have a couple of halyards and a couple of jib sheets as well as assorted old reefing lines and extra docking lines. What I really think we need to keep is a few extra carabiners, though, from what I read of Larry's posting. My husband's motto is: never throw out extra line, unless it really is so old as to be dangerous.
Small Guy
Well..... Guess I don't need one for going aloft, as I would probably break my mast in two. I have an 17 foot Sailstar and only a touch of room up front for extras. Yet I keep an extra 50' line for quick mooring and a 25'er for a Cajun Tiller Tamer when necessary. (Look it up on the net, very interesting)
Well..... Guess I don't need one for going aloft, as I would probably break my mast in two. I have an 17 foot Sailstar and only a touch of room up front for extras. Yet I keep an extra 50' line for quick mooring and a 25'er for a Cajun Tiller Tamer when necessary. (Look it up on the net, very interesting)
Always carry extra line
Sailing or canoeing, I always carry an assortment of extra line, diameter and lengths. And it seems that there will usually be some occasion where a situation or another boater will need a length of line. Yes, Carabiners or snap clips are attached to most of them...for quick application. And they are usually clipped to a ring mounted in a handy, but out of the way place, where the size is easily determined and quickly reached. I've even wondered if I have some 'fettish' for collecting extra lines. Seems you can never have enough good line..
Sailing or canoeing, I always carry an assortment of extra line, diameter and lengths. And it seems that there will usually be some occasion where a situation or another boater will need a length of line. Yes, Carabiners or snap clips are attached to most of them...for quick application. And they are usually clipped to a ring mounted in a handy, but out of the way place, where the size is easily determined and quickly reached. I've even wondered if I have some 'fettish' for collecting extra lines. Seems you can never have enough good line..
Odd lines
I single hand a Catalina 30 and often arrive at a dock when there is no one available to take a line. I keep a 75'length of retired anchor rode which I use to get myself tied up. With plenty of time to spare as I approach the dock, I hang out the fenders on the appropriate side. Next, on the same side as the fenders are hung, I cleat one end of the 75' line at the bow, the other at the stern, coil the slack and crop it over the jib sheet winch. When the fenders touch the dock I step off with the coil of line in hand. In this manner, I'm able to simultaneously control both ends of the boat. I cleat off either the bow or stern, depending on the direction of the wind or tidal current. Then I cleat off the other end, make adjustments, and add any additional lines that may be necessary.
I single hand a Catalina 30 and often arrive at a dock when there is no one available to take a line. I keep a 75'length of retired anchor rode which I use to get myself tied up. With plenty of time to spare as I approach the dock, I hang out the fenders on the appropriate side. Next, on the same side as the fenders are hung, I cleat one end of the 75' line at the bow, the other at the stern, coil the slack and crop it over the jib sheet winch. When the fenders touch the dock I step off with the coil of line in hand. In this manner, I'm able to simultaneously control both ends of the boat. I cleat off either the bow or stern, depending on the direction of the wind or tidal current. Then I cleat off the other end, make adjustments, and add any additional lines that may be necessary.
Spare lines
I also keep several spare lines. I can use some of these to make up a spare anchor - I keep a Bruce anchor as a emergency spare (partly because it does not fit in the anchor locker). Because of tides round here - as much as 14 metres (45 feet at vernal and autumnal equinoxes), bow and stern springs are needed on the pontoons. I have modest lines for these, but can extend them with some of the spare line if I visit a harbour where I need longer lines, I can extend them; normally I use the shorter lines and avoid having too much rope hanging around the pontoons.
I also keep several spare lines. I can use some of these to make up a spare anchor - I keep a Bruce anchor as a emergency spare (partly because it does not fit in the anchor locker). Because of tides round here - as much as 14 metres (45 feet at vernal and autumnal equinoxes), bow and stern springs are needed on the pontoons. I have modest lines for these, but can extend them with some of the spare line if I visit a harbour where I need longer lines, I can extend them; normally I use the shorter lines and avoid having too much rope hanging around the pontoons.
Saved by a long spare line
Recently my husband, myself and a novice female friend went on a short cruise down the US shipping channel enroute for St. Joseph Island. I asked my friend to unfoul the starboard jib sheet which was fouled on its winch. She belayed it, but let the sheet go free. It quickly trailed into the water, its tail being ensnared in our outboard motor shaft. We were then unable to use sail or engine power and drifted onto a sand bar and went aground in very fast waters in a narrow part of the channel. Just our luck that the US Coast Guard was upbound patrolling in a small Zodiac craft. We hailed them and they were able to toss us a tow line and tow us safely to a nearby marina in Sault, Michigan. My husband had cut the starboard jib sheet. There was no damage to our motor's shaft. Once in the safety of the Kemp Marina, he had a slightly smaller diameter long piece of line which we were able to use as a new set of jib sheets. Once fitted, we were able to continue cruising to our original destination. Thank heavens for small mercies and the aptness of the USCG.
Recently my husband, myself and a novice female friend went on a short cruise down the US shipping channel enroute for St. Joseph Island. I asked my friend to unfoul the starboard jib sheet which was fouled on its winch. She belayed it, but let the sheet go free. It quickly trailed into the water, its tail being ensnared in our outboard motor shaft. We were then unable to use sail or engine power and drifted onto a sand bar and went aground in very fast waters in a narrow part of the channel. Just our luck that the US Coast Guard was upbound patrolling in a small Zodiac craft. We hailed them and they were able to toss us a tow line and tow us safely to a nearby marina in Sault, Michigan. My husband had cut the starboard jib sheet. There was no damage to our motor's shaft. Once in the safety of the Kemp Marina, he had a slightly smaller diameter long piece of line which we were able to use as a new set of jib sheets. Once fitted, we were able to continue cruising to our original destination. Thank heavens for small mercies and the aptness of the USCG.
carry as many extra lines as you have room for
Just got back from the Bahamas yesterday and during the course of our trip we used some extra lines I had stowed aboard that I thought I would never use. Encountered some very strong tidal flow at one paticular marina we stopped at for the night (yes it is ok to NOT rough it all the time) and ened up using a bunch of different short dock lines to secure the boat for the night. Anyways.....carry as many spares as you can give up the space for....you will use them someday.....
Just got back from the Bahamas yesterday and during the course of our trip we used some extra lines I had stowed aboard that I thought I would never use. Encountered some very strong tidal flow at one paticular marina we stopped at for the night (yes it is ok to NOT rough it all the time) and ened up using a bunch of different short dock lines to secure the boat for the night. Anyways.....carry as many spares as you can give up the space for....you will use them someday.....
Tie down lines
I read somewhere several years ago that it's very handy to keep a dozen "small stuff" (1/8 th) line aboard some cut to 4 ft. and some to 8 ft. Real handy for tieing stuff down and you don't have to be looking around for some scrap line to use.
I read somewhere several years ago that it's very handy to keep a dozen "small stuff" (1/8 th) line aboard some cut to 4 ft. and some to 8 ft. Real handy for tieing stuff down and you don't have to be looking around for some scrap line to use.
Shock absorber line
I used a short length of 3 strand line and put (wove) a length of shock (bungee) cord into it as per Brion Toss and it works great as a strong but very stretchable line. You can use big or small shock cord and vary the stretch accordingly. It makes a great shock absorber line. I have a couple of these around too.
I used a short length of 3 strand line and put (wove) a length of shock (bungee) cord into it as per Brion Toss and it works great as a strong but very stretchable line. You can use big or small shock cord and vary the stretch accordingly. It makes a great shock absorber line. I have a couple of these around too.
Additional Boat Line
Greetings All, Carole and I carry enough line to properly secure our vessel when we travel. We always leave our dock lines secure at our home marina. We also carry enough line for a possible tow, if necessary, and enough line to "secure" anything that might "break" We also carry enough for a "lunch hook" anchor when we just want to "bob around"
Greetings All, Carole and I carry enough line to properly secure our vessel when we travel. We always leave our dock lines secure at our home marina. We also carry enough line for a possible tow, if necessary, and enough line to "secure" anything that might "break" We also carry enough for a "lunch hook" anchor when we just want to "bob around"
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