Dock Lines... questions, sources for bulk...
- Thread starter wsmac
- Start date
Sometimes, if you go to the local firehouse you can get used firehose for chafe guards.
To make chafe guards, slit the hose lengthwise, wrap it around the area of the line you want to protect and lash it with net twine. If you do the lashing right, and need to move the chafe guard, the lashing can be cut at the end and removed easily.
To make chafe guards, slit the hose lengthwise, wrap it around the area of the line you want to protect and lash it with net twine. If you do the lashing right, and need to move the chafe guard, the lashing can be cut at the end and removed easily.
jssailem
SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
- Oct 22, 2014
- 22,818
WSMac
As you can see line-rope has many options and opinions. I bought bulk lengths from Westech Rigging (http://www.westechrigging.com/) . They supply the timber industry with line/rope. Look for the type you want. I bought braided nylon lines for my 9/16 dock lines. They are oversized, but they serve to keep the boat secure when I'm 250 miles away. Been through a couple of windstorms last year and no issues. Nylon because it gives/stretches. Braided because I cna make some cool eye splices. I generally get bow lines long to reach from the bow but just short of the prop. This way if bow crew member errors and drops the line in the water, I do not have line wrapped around the prop. Stern lines are long enough to do the job and not get in the way. I also have spring lines that I use for maneuvering. They are about boat length.
Look at the major manufactures, Sampson, New England etc and select product that fits your use. Believe Westech was selling New England. Costs were very favorable. You likely have a timber rigger selling equipment in Humbolt County.
As you can see line-rope has many options and opinions. I bought bulk lengths from Westech Rigging (http://www.westechrigging.com/) . They supply the timber industry with line/rope. Look for the type you want. I bought braided nylon lines for my 9/16 dock lines. They are oversized, but they serve to keep the boat secure when I'm 250 miles away. Been through a couple of windstorms last year and no issues. Nylon because it gives/stretches. Braided because I cna make some cool eye splices. I generally get bow lines long to reach from the bow but just short of the prop. This way if bow crew member errors and drops the line in the water, I do not have line wrapped around the prop. Stern lines are long enough to do the job and not get in the way. I also have spring lines that I use for maneuvering. They are about boat length.
Look at the major manufactures, Sampson, New England etc and select product that fits your use. Believe Westech was selling New England. Costs were very favorable. You likely have a timber rigger selling equipment in Humbolt County.
Thanks for the link and all the info!
Great tip about length!
People keep trying to point me to 3-strand because it stretches!
Braided can stretch also... depending on what type I buy.
All we had back in the 70's when I learned to climb and learned rescue work on mountains was multi-stranded rope.
Then eventually along came braided/sheathed... cool factor shot up a lot!... but the physical properties really shined also!
I don't mind multi-stranded.... can do a short and long splice with relative ease... but I really do enjoy braided line a lot!
Perhaps my experience is unique, but I have found that braided line picks up splinters from wooden docks more easily than twisted 3 strand. For that reason the braided lines are being replaced with 3-strand.
jssailem
SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
- Oct 22, 2014
- 22,818
This has been my experience as well, though I never thought to pass it on when advising on dock lines selection. Glad you did.
Have been using this rope for over a year:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/151460217248?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT
5/8" nylon 3 strand, 600'
http://www.ebay.com/itm/151460217248?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT
5/8" nylon 3 strand, 600'
Thanks
I think this may be Frank Winne & Sons Inc... sent them a message to see if the ebay site and their company are the same.
My dock lines are mostly worn out halyards, sheets or traveler lines. Have a nice 130' tow line that was a main halyard.
My dock is concrete so no splinters.
Les
My dock is concrete so no splinters.
Les
Leslie, don't you worry about the (relatively) small amount of stretch in halyard lines when converting them to dock lines?