NEW SEASON, NEW LINES
by Russell Hurst from RopesDirect
Getting ready for the new season and thinking of replacing those worn out lines? Here’s a quick summary of the main rope types available and their uses.
3-strand Multifilament Polypropylene – A low-cost floating rope for mooring lines and fender ropes. It is a flexible rope, easy to splice and with uv stabilisers will last for many years.
8-plait Nylon – Nylon is ideal as an anchor rope. It can be spliced on to chain, sinks in water and has good abrasion & uv resistance.
3-strand Polyester – A sinking rope for mooring lines and fender ropes. It has excellent uv & abrasion resistance, is easy to splice and is a good step up from multifilament polypropylene.
Braid on Braid Polyester – An ideal cruising rope from Kingfisher for sheets, halyards and control lines. A low stretch braided polyester core with an abrasion resistant polyester cover. Heat set after braiding to reduce creep.
Dyneema – HMPE rope is stronger, lighter and safer to use than steel. 12-strand SK-78 core with a braided HT polyester cover makes for a hard wearing, low stretch and strong line. Ideal for sheets and halyards on racing yachts.
To see all these ropes and more in a range of colours and diameters come and visit us at our warehouse – we’re halfway between Ludham and Catfield in front of the water tower. All of our ropes are manufactured in the EU and conform to the appropriate EN ISO standards.