T&T: Anchor snubbers

[Bucks2 at aol.com]

So who is using the rubber mooring snubbers on their anchor  snubbers? 
According to the catalogs they stretch to more than twice their  initial length, 
are resistant to sunlight, salt water and ozone. They "provides  maximum 
protection against the stress caused by wind, waves, and wakes."  Wouldn't 
that do exactly what an anchor snubber is supposed to do and allow a  shorter 
and more efficient system? 
 
Who has determined the throw away date for their snubber  lines? Of course 
being subjected to sudden loading shortens the life of any  line. Being in 
the sun, above and in the water, shortens the lines life. Do you  wash the 
snubber in fresh water after each use to keep the sharp salt crystals  from 
damaging the fibers inside the line? I've heard over and over how vitally  
important they are to keep the anchor from dragging and putting the entire boat 
 in jeopardy. Many folks have timelines that they replace their decklines 
at  because of deterioration. I've seen several times posters talking about 
how  black docklines don't deteriorate as quickly as lighter colored ones so 
I know  it's an important item, I just don't have numbers to work with. 
 
How much wear is acceptable? One poster has chafing gear and  stainless 
thimbles to reduce wear. Do most peoples anchor snubbers wear out  before they 
deteriorate from sunlight? 
 
Ken Buck
 
 
 
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