Whip it! Whip it good!

[jbarros]

Hi,

So, having just made my first trip all the way up the mast (amazingly high for such a small boat!) I now have a new jib halyard to replace the 40 year old one which finaly fell apart. However,it''s currently got masking tape holding it together. I grabbed some whipping line and needles, but truth be told, have not a clue what I''m doing. It apears to be simply going around in circles for alot of it, but how do I get it to stay?

Anyone got a link to a good whipping tutorial?

Thanks.

-- James

[jbanta]

Get a BSA Knot card from your local Boy Scouts of America supply outlet. Cheep quick but complete....

[pirateofcapeann]

On all of my halyards and sheets, wherever an eye is needed, say at a shackle or thimble, I''ve clapped on a seizing in the traditional way. These look better and go on faster then splicing in braided cordage. As far as strength goes, I’ll lay one of my seizing against a braided splice any day! Should I need to remove the piece for replacement, it''s easy just to cut the seizing away and replace it. I use the thin tarred twisted nylon available at any commercial chandlery as marline. For the definitive instruction on how to do this and so much more, get Hervey Garrett Smith''s Marlinespike Sailor. Once you go through that book, you''ll probably need a lot more of that small stuff!