Help! I don't understand rope!!

[Derri]

Right - this is going to sound like a proper stupid question, but my boat is going in the water next week and I suppose I'm going to need some rope to stop it escaping.

 

It's a 39X12 Broads cruiser, weighing about 7 tonnes (I reckon).

 

We are sailing it down the Bristol Channel to get it to Old London Town and for that we apparently need two 25m ropes, which will obviously set us back a bit. So for that my question is, can I get 2x10m and 2x15m, attach 'em together for the massive Bristol Channel locks and use them as normal the rest of the time?

 

Also, what is the best type/grade of rope and what thickness do I need?

Can I buy a big spool and cut it and make loops myself, or does this require a professional rope-monger?

Where the blazes is the best place to buy the stuff from??!

 

I sound so clueless. But I've looked at rope sellers and there's so many different ones and such a variety in price!!!

 

Ta

 

Derri

[Tusses]

go to a chandler and tell them what its for and they will cut you some rope that is fit for the job

 

its not that expensive either !

 

its usually nylon type stuff made to look like hemp rope. cuts easy with a hot wire cutter and this also stops it fraying

Edited March 18, 2008 by Tusses

[NB Alnwick]

Contact Tradline Rope and Fenders at Braunston. Always friendly, helpful and they will probably tell you where your nearest local supplier is. You can phone them on 01788 891761 or go through their website: http://www.tradline.co.uk/

 

You can never have too much rope!

[Derri]

Contact Tradline Rope and Fenders at Braunston. Always friendly, helpful and they will probably tell you where your nearest local supplier is. You can phone them on 01788 891761 or go through their website: http://www.tradline.co.uk/

 

You can never have too much rope!

 

 

But can I attach 2 shorter ropes together to make 25m ropes that I need in the big locks at Sharpness and Bristol?

[NB Phoenix]

But can I attach 2 shorter ropes together to make 25m ropes that I need in the big locks at Sharpness and Bristol?

 

How about getting 25m long ropes and then cut them down after you pass the locks?

[chris w]

It's a 39X12 Broads cruiser, weighing about 7 tonnes (I reckon).

 

 

Derri

 

If it only weighs 7 tonnes, your draft will only be about 7 inches !!!!! It'll tip over!!

 

Chris

[Speedwell]

But can I attach 2 shorter ropes together to make 25m ropes that I need in the big locks at Sharpness and Bristol?

There is no strength reason why you can't join 2 ropes but the knot may snag on the mooring gear as you go up or down in the locks. I have no knowledge of those locks so, unless somebody on here can tell you how it's done, you may need to go and look.

Another thought, do you really need 25m ropes ? Do the locks have wires down their walls for small craft to moor to and slide a loop of rope down ?

Arthur

PS Before I get too much flack, I do know that knotting weakens rope but the loading involved in locking should be quite small.

[denboy]

you could always splice them together

http://www.neropes.com/SPL_3StrandEndToEnd.aspx

[sueb]

I don't believe you need ropes that long. We didn't when we did this trip last year. Ask your pilot for advice.

Sue

[DHutch]

As for loops, if its just three strand twisted rope, its not that hard to do an eye splice, even i can do it with a picture, and theres plenty online.

 

For most applications decent grade 16mm polyprop is quote nice, it floats, and behaves nothing like the cheap staple spun blue stuff.

We currently use 22mm polyester, but thats just because its better to hold, and our fixings are upto it anyway, but it doesnt float at all.

 

 

 

Daniel

[Dominic M]

But can I attach 2 shorter ropes together to make 25m ropes that I need in the big locks at Sharpness and Bristol?

Indeed you can, and the knot commonly used is called a sheet bend. Here's how to do it - click

 

Dominic

[RLWP]

Indeed you can, and the knot commonly used is called a sheet bend. Here's how to do it - click

 

Dominic

 

Much as I love the simplicity of the sheet bend, and I am happy to use it to hang my fenders with, I think you would be better off with the carrick bend for this job. The sheet bend always looks safer when it has a bit of load on it to keep it in shape. The carrick bend doesn't come undone, except when you want it to.

 

Richard

[Dominic M]

Much as I love the simplicity of the sheet bend, and I am happy to use it to hang my fenders with, I think you would be better off with the carrick bend for this job. The sheet bend always looks safer when it has a bit of load on it to keep it in shape. The carrick bend doesn't come undone, except when you want it to.

 

Richard

 

True - a better knot, although I've never had a sheet bend give way on me. Double sheet bend is good too. Nip of grog, anyone?

[NBMike]

Thanks for that splicing link Denis, I'll study that site on the next rainy day.

[RLWP]

True - a better knot, although I've never had a sheet bend give way on me. Double sheet bend is good too. Nip of grog, anyone?

 

Double that sheet bend and I'll happily join you.

 

Richard

 

Now I'm racking my brain - there's a proper name for a doubled sheet bend - but what is it?

[Dominic M]

Double that sheet bend and I'll happily join you.

 

Richard

 

Now I'm racking my brain - there's a proper name for a doubled sheet bend - but what is it?

I've always known it as double sheet bend - here's a video of it I found on the web (but turn your sound down, the music soundtrack is horrendous!)

 

Dominic