Stiff Lines...

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BoatCrazy

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I have some old lines that I have been sitting in a shed for a few years. They are in great shape but just very stiff. How Do I go about loosening them up?? Is there such a thing??

I have a feeling I am going to be told to use them and the usage will loosen them..
 
Put them in a pillow case and throw them in the washer with fabric softener.
 
Or, if too large (bulky) for a pillowcase (esp if a toploader), just wrap them loosely around the agitator. Works great -- they'll come out almost like new . . .

John
 
awesome, never would I have thought in a million years to put lines in the washing machine
 
I usually fill a garbage can with warm water and fabric softener. Let the lines sit in the solution for a couple of hours then rinse and refill can with fresh water to sit overnight. Lay out to line dry afterwards.

I have also used the washing machine (without the pillow case which is good idea)too but if you have alot of line you will need to split into a few loads.
 
Quit soaking them with the little blue pills. Those things are meant to get YOUR line stiff!! :)
 
quote:
Originally posted by L. Keith

Drag them behind your boat while underway.

Click to expand...


That. Great for getting that waxy stuff out of cotton sash cord on new heaving lines, too.
 
I've even washed my anchor rode line, sans chain, in a top loader. I usually throw in a few lightly soiled old towel "rags" too. But NEVER dry the lines in a dryer. I ran mine outside on the cement in the sun for an hour or two. This also helps you get all the kinks out.
 
Wash in washing machine. Front loader is best because no agitator to tangle lines. I then buy cheap liquid, store brand, fabric softener. Soak lines in much higher concentration than stated on fabric softener container. I usually go 2 parts water to 1 part softener. My braided lines are 17 years old & still very soft & flexible.
 
I bought one of those cheapo mesh laundry bags at Walmart, put the lines in it, brought them to a laundromat, put them in the machine, and they came out like new.
 
quote:
Originally posted by JVM225

I bought one of those cheapo mesh laundry bags at Walmart, put the lines in it, brought them to a laundromat, put them in the machine, and they came out like new.
Click to expand...


These are better than a pillow case. Also, the lines will take a whilt to get wet all the way through. I soak them a couple hours, then wash, rinse, and soak with fabric softener and clean water. Do not use chlorine bleach on your lines, it will weaken them.

For an anchor rode with chain attached, soaking, then rinsing in a plastic tub works.
 
quote:
Originally posted by L. Keith

Drag them behind your boat while underway.

Click to expand...


Oh - and then when they immediately get run over and wrapped around someone's prop, they get softened up?

That suggestion probably works a lot better in places other than the Great South Bay.
 
We put some braid on braid in a washer and it destroyed them. Consider mixing some water and softener in a bucket and soaking them first.
 
quote:
Originally posted by boatbum

We put some braid on braid in a washer and it destroyed them. Consider mixing some water and softener in a bucket and soaking them first.

Click to expand...

That's why it's best to put them in a bag. To protect them from the agitator.

Regardless, if there's any question on the condition of the line, you're better off replacing it. You're counting on that line to hold your boat in place.
 
quote:
Originally posted by ronp

quote:
Originally posted by L. Keith

Drag them behind your boat while underway.

Click to expand...


Oh - and then when they immediately get run over and wrapped around someone's prop, they get softened up?

That suggestion probably works a lot better in places other than the Great South Bay.

Click to expand...


I guess if you try to drag the lines while inside your marina or in a crowded channel, what you describe could happen. The recommendation was made with the idea that normal reason/intelligence would be used, which appears to be in short supply in the Great South Bay.
 
just a question.
what is the admirals view on putting lines in her washer?
 
I let her do it because I don't ever want her to think I know how to work the washer and dryer.
 
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