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Has anyone made dock lines from 8-plait nylon. I have a considerable length of the stuff and need new dock lines. It seems quite soft, does it chafe more easily that double braid or three strand?
8 plait dock lines
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Chafe is ONLY caused by contact with other stuff between the 2 attachment points, and then when it does, chafe depends to some degree on the type of rope is used. I would say the construction of a rope has very little to do with that.
I have to add that there are some double braid ropes out these where the outer 'mantle' is for protection and the inner core provides the strength.
Back to your 8 plait: Go for it!, it remains subtle, although it is harder to splice than common 3 strand.
When you want to splice your 8-plait, here a good link how to do that by Sampson http://www.samsonrope.com/Documents/Splice%20Instructions/8Strand_C1_Eye%20Splice_JUL2012_WEB.pdf[/URL]
Regarding strength: indeed volume of rope material per linear ft or mt reflects the strength, but in my experience the difference is little (ie less than 10%) when using quality ropes. Just check some stats on-line and see if the rope you have is strong enough. Note that nylon can absorb big shocks far better than any other kind of rope. If the rope is too heavy/thick/strong it will NOT stretch much anymore and it becomes also more difficult to handle and stow.
In my case (10-11 ton 34 ft ferro boat) my anchor line is 16 mm nylon 3 strand, my docking lines are 14 mm double braid, outer braid polyester, inner that of nylon. But when I can off-load my 3 strand, I like to replace that with Nylon 16mm 8 plait, that will remain softer and easier to stow than the 3 strand.
I have to add that there are some double braid ropes out these where the outer 'mantle' is for protection and the inner core provides the strength.
Back to your 8 plait: Go for it!, it remains subtle, although it is harder to splice than common 3 strand.
When you want to splice your 8-plait, here a good link how to do that by Sampson http://www.samsonrope.com/Documents/Splice%20Instructions/8Strand_C1_Eye%20Splice_JUL2012_WEB.pdf[/URL]
Regarding strength: indeed volume of rope material per linear ft or mt reflects the strength, but in my experience the difference is little (ie less than 10%) when using quality ropes. Just check some stats on-line and see if the rope you have is strong enough. Note that nylon can absorb big shocks far better than any other kind of rope. If the rope is too heavy/thick/strong it will NOT stretch much anymore and it becomes also more difficult to handle and stow.
In my case (10-11 ton 34 ft ferro boat) my anchor line is 16 mm nylon 3 strand, my docking lines are 14 mm double braid, outer braid polyester, inner that of nylon. But when I can off-load my 3 strand, I like to replace that with Nylon 16mm 8 plait, that will remain softer and easier to stow than the 3 strand.
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No.
Virtually all double braid dock lines and polyester yacht braid is balanced constructions, where exactly 50% of the strength comes from the cover and 50% from the core. A careful examination of splicing technique makes it clear why this is so, and I have testing of numerous brands that support this.
As for abrasion, it is generally in this order, best to worst. I've done testing on this too. The rougher the surface, the more this is true, since yarn snagging becomes a big factor.
1. 3-strand
2. Double braid
3. Single braid/plait
If you want to avoid abrasion, add chafe guards, think about the run, reduce movement under load, and consider MaxiJacket where chafe guards don't fit (reduces wear about 5-10x).
An older type gaffer can always use just about any and all rope that comes it's way. I found that the inflatable life rafts use a bunch of single braid line which is replaced unused when the raft is repacked and recertified.(I was carrying passengers) All this good stuff goes in the dumpster unless you drop into the shop and ask for it. Varying sizes and price is right. Never tried to splice it. Just butane back splice.
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Braided dock lines appear to work OK for these guys
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In fact I was coincidentally at the wharf this morning (from my ferry) and the Queen Victoria was docking - they also use braided dock lines.
My resistance to them? They cost too much. I use 16mm single braided line which has a shock-absorber inserted into the line. Also cuts abrasion down considerably because the line stretches in an area away from the fairlead. Looks something like this (mine have the shock-absorber further from the spliced loop):
![]()
In fact I was coincidentally at the wharf this morning (from my ferry) and the Queen Victoria was docking - they also use braided dock lines.
My resistance to them? They cost too much. I use 16mm single braided line which has a shock-absorber inserted into the line. Also cuts abrasion down considerably because the line stretches in an area away from the fairlead. Looks something like this (mine have the shock-absorber further from the spliced loop):
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