GL: Dock Lines

[Keith]

John and Judy Gill wrote:
In most cases, 3-strand nylon line will have a superior load capacity
than the same size braid on braid.

-and-

Also, make sure that your loop has the same strength as your line.  A
3 strand nylon line properly spliced will have more holding strength
than a loop made using braid on braid or some of the newer "plastic
clamp" methods.

We use 3 strand, 5/8 inch nylon line on our 36 ft. Carver Mariner
(19,000 lbs) and have never had a problem."
__________________________________________-
I'm assuming you mean double braided line when you say "braid on braid". If
so, double braided is usually stronger than three strand. For example (from
New England Ropes website) 5/8" three strand nylon has a tensile strength of
12,200 pounds, while the same size double braid is 13,500 pounds. 

Double braid also stretches less and has higher abrasion resistance, which
makes it a better choice for dock lines. The downside is that most people
can't put their own eye splices in double braid. 



Keith
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