Right Ropes for the right jobs - selecting the right rope.
Selecting the right type of rope is very important due to the numerous different properties of different types of ropes. Once you have chosen the right rope property then length and diameter are as equally important.
Dacron (Polyester) Braid on Braid . . . . .This Polyester Braid on Braid is ideal for many cruising applications including: Halyards, Sheets, Reefing Lines, Furling Lines, Topping Lifts. Polyester has excellent UV resistance and sinks.
DYNEEMA SK75 (High Modulus Polyethylene) . . . . . with a 16 plait UV Resistant Polyester cover is good for Halyards, Guys, Sheets, control lines and most applications on board a Dinghy. High strength Dyneema core allows for reduced rope diameter to lessen weight. Smaller diameters of this material are ideal for Kite Surfing applications.
Geoprop (Polypropylene) Floating Rescue Line . . . .This rope has moderate properties with regard to strength, stretch and abrasive resistance with poor UV resistance. Polypropylene ropes retain their flexibility, and do no stiffen in use. Polypropylene should NOT be used as a Mooring or Berthing line due to its poor UV Resistance. Its recommended use is to bring a man overboard back alongside a vessel to effect a recovery. Polyethylene is also used for floating rescue lines.
Nylon (Polyamide) . . . . .Suitable as Berthing, Mooring, Anchor & Towing Lines.
Nylon lines have outstanding elasticity, and therefore absorb shock loads very well. It has good UV resistance and sinks. When wet, Polyamide can loose up to 15% of its strength and shrinks.
Maintaining your ropes prolongs their life and also prevents the fibres breaking down and un expectantly parting.
Here are a few tips on caring for your ropes:
1. Keep ropes out of direct sunlight when not in use - UV light degrades.
2. Wash ropes with warm soapy water to rid of salt deposits.
3. Whip, Splice or Heat Shrink the ends, this stops fraying.
4. Correctly coil rope when not in use to prevent Kinks from forming.
5. Always check rope for wear and tear, alter the contact points regularly to prevent chafing at one point and replace as necessary.
Here are some safety tips for working with Rope and Wire:
1. Always use the Right Rope for the Right Job.
2. Regularly check rope for wear and tear, chafing, broken strands, oil, grease or paint stains, and kinks. These all reduce the breaking strain and should be replaced as necessary.
3. Remember, Knots, Bends or Hitches tied in rope reduce its breaking load - See relevant section.
4. Regularly check wires for broken strands and kinks.
5. Check termination points for signs of corrosion.
6. Never Stand in a Bight or Coil.
7. Never Stand in line of recoil.