Dock Lines
- Thread starter ALKA2710
- Start date
I'm not sure what you mean by "twisted" but my suggestion has to do with the natural wear and tear of any/all working lines. Perhaps it is time to do some elementary seamanship by cutting out the worn areas and re-splicing the lines.
If that doesn't appeal to you it is always possible to wrap some heavy tape in the suspect areas and let the tape accomodate any "new" area of concern.
Good Luck.
If that doesn't appeal to you it is always possible to wrap some heavy tape in the suspect areas and let the tape accomodate any "new" area of concern.
Good Luck.
When the original splice was made the line was twisted and as time went on the twist became more and more pronounced.
You can try to cut it and re-splice but splicing a line that has had loads on it is difficult. The line is very hard to separate for line entry.
You can try to cut it and re-splice but splicing a line that has had loads on it is difficult. The line is very hard to separate for line entry.
Are you talking about the eye splices? Happens to me, too. I think it's the normal adjustments of three-strand line to stress and age. Possibly a little bit of slippage in the splice.
I don't know what to do about it except to re-splice the eye.
I don't know what to do about it except to re-splice the eye.
Some of my lines are going on there 9th year and look and feel brand new. After every season they go thru the front loader at home and than a soak in fabric softner. Its nice haveing the ropes in good handable condition. One thing that I noticed this year is I think the fabric softner might cause the ropes to slip when tied up.
Al
Al
if the lines are braided, a new splice is a bad idea as its unlikely to hold in a real test. if the lines are twisted type and they are curled up its likely a sign of age as the nylon will contract somewhat when exposed to heat/sun over time.
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Must be three strand. It happens. The only advantage of three strand is price.
Used line can be re-spliced without losing any more strength than you would with new line (your BS will still be lower than new line, but the percentage you lose splicing it will remain the same with used vs. new). The problem with splicing used line is it is a lot more difficult to do.
Dock lines are cheap enough I'd just replace with new double braid nylon, or better yet - buy a spool and splice new dock lines to the lengths you want them. This way you can rig a set for your own slip with eyes on each end, to the exact length you want them, as well as an onboard set for traveling - and still have enough left over for a new double braid anchor line.
Used line can be re-spliced without losing any more strength than you would with new line (your BS will still be lower than new line, but the percentage you lose splicing it will remain the same with used vs. new). The problem with splicing used line is it is a lot more difficult to do.
Dock lines are cheap enough I'd just replace with new double braid nylon, or better yet - buy a spool and splice new dock lines to the lengths you want them. This way you can rig a set for your own slip with eyes on each end, to the exact length you want them, as well as an onboard set for traveling - and still have enough left over for a new double braid anchor line.
Order your lines from somewhere like Miami Cordage and they will put any size loop you want on the end, as well as antichafe protection on the loop too. I like putting the springs on a cleated dock with the loop end, makes it easier to adjust lines from the boat and to exit the slip.
Dock lines are cheap enough that they can (and should) be replaced at the first sign of trouble. I would not want to lose a $100K boat because I was too cheap to replace a $15 dock line.
In my experience, the money savings gained by splicing your own isn't worth the time involved.
In my experience, the money savings gained by splicing your own isn't worth the time involved.