What should I expect to be the useful life of 3-strand nylon rode? I probably anchor out 5-10 nites per year and my rode (spliced into 30' of chain) is 7-8 years old. It looks fine, but I know looks can be decieving. Thanks. Bob
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Anchor Rode
I don't think you need to worry about deterioration. Ten times a year, isn't much exposure to sunlight or any other harmful elements. Assuming of course that you have the rode in an anchor locker and not on deck. I would be much more concerned with chafe, and inspect for that.
I don't think you need to worry about deterioration. Ten times a year, isn't much exposure to sunlight or any other harmful elements. Assuming of course that you have the rode in an anchor locker and not on deck. I would be much more concerned with chafe, and inspect for that.
Steve Dashew's.........
Steve Dashew's experiences with heavy displacement boats in hurricanes wouldnt apply to 99% of us here. For smaller boats that are not heavy displacement, an all anchor rode would probably weigh too much in the bow area. On many of the less expensive production boats, if you were anchored in a really bad thunderstorm (which is not unusual) with all the wind and stuff, a dacron or chain rode, without stretch (shock absorption), might just rip your cleat off or possibly break your small bow sprit. As for me, I'll stick to 3 strand nylon with about 20 ft of chain and go one size larger on the rope than the West Marine catalog recommends. To get back to the originaal question.....age is not a factor as wear and tare are. Keep in mind that we are talking good marine grade nylon, not discount house ( Home Depot) rope. Good reputable marine grade nylon is resistant to sunlight, diesel and gasoline spills. Nylon is relatively easy to inspect and looks are not really deceiving. First, if a nylon rope has been stresses -stretched- to its upper limits, it will be very stiff. This is due partly to the heat build-up from friction when stretching, the fibers have somewhat welded themselves together at a microscopic level and also the shape of the rope has been distorted. Next, look for the obvious signs of rope burn. This happens when way way over stressed. It is usually noticed around turning points such as on cleating areas or other attaching points. Then lastly, fraying from abrasion will be easily noticed. Use eye splices and stainless steel thimbles wherever you can. Chafe protection is of the utmost importance. Tony B
Steve Dashew's experiences with heavy displacement boats in hurricanes wouldnt apply to 99% of us here. For smaller boats that are not heavy displacement, an all anchor rode would probably weigh too much in the bow area. On many of the less expensive production boats, if you were anchored in a really bad thunderstorm (which is not unusual) with all the wind and stuff, a dacron or chain rode, without stretch (shock absorption), might just rip your cleat off or possibly break your small bow sprit. As for me, I'll stick to 3 strand nylon with about 20 ft of chain and go one size larger on the rope than the West Marine catalog recommends. To get back to the originaal question.....age is not a factor as wear and tare are. Keep in mind that we are talking good marine grade nylon, not discount house ( Home Depot) rope. Good reputable marine grade nylon is resistant to sunlight, diesel and gasoline spills. Nylon is relatively easy to inspect and looks are not really deceiving. First, if a nylon rope has been stresses -stretched- to its upper limits, it will be very stiff. This is due partly to the heat build-up from friction when stretching, the fibers have somewhat welded themselves together at a microscopic level and also the shape of the rope has been distorted. Next, look for the obvious signs of rope burn. This happens when way way over stressed. It is usually noticed around turning points such as on cleating areas or other attaching points. Then lastly, fraying from abrasion will be easily noticed. Use eye splices and stainless steel thimbles wherever you can. Chafe protection is of the utmost importance. Tony B
Rope manufacturers recommend 3-5 years .....
Nylon is extremely sensitive to UV destruction from sunlight and hydrolysis (analogous to rust in metals) when long-term immersed in water .... all leading to rapid destruction of the 'strength' of the nylon.
Nylon is extremely sensitive to UV destruction from sunlight and hydrolysis (analogous to rust in metals) when long-term immersed in water .... all leading to rapid destruction of the 'strength' of the nylon.
I have a spare anchor and rode that
I've had for over 20 years. It gets used two or three times a year. I rinse it with fresh water at least once a year, and it gets stored in a dry dark place. The rode is in great shape. I would trust it as new. The following applies to Nylon and Dacron line, not poly. Poly is not reliable after a year. Light is the enemy of plastic. I know of a mooring bouy with nylon rode 20 years old that gets checked annualy and it's been fine, except for chafe at the bottom. Line shows that it is bad by broken strands. Three strand will show broken strands on the outside of the line. Double braid line has a cover that will show wear. The core is still strong with considerable damage to the cover, but for anchor rode I would replace line with any significant signs of deterioration.
I've had for over 20 years. It gets used two or three times a year. I rinse it with fresh water at least once a year, and it gets stored in a dry dark place. The rode is in great shape. I would trust it as new. The following applies to Nylon and Dacron line, not poly. Poly is not reliable after a year. Light is the enemy of plastic. I know of a mooring bouy with nylon rode 20 years old that gets checked annualy and it's been fine, except for chafe at the bottom. Line shows that it is bad by broken strands. Three strand will show broken strands on the outside of the line. Double braid line has a cover that will show wear. The core is still strong with considerable damage to the cover, but for anchor rode I would replace line with any significant signs of deterioration.
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