RYA SPRING 2021


18


Learning the ropes THE TO-DO LIST


Whether you have a dinghy, inland waterways boat or a sail or motor cruiser, ropes are essential. But they can be overlooked when making your regular maintenance checks. Look after them and they’ll look after you.


1


Splice, don’t knot When a rope is bent


around itself or an object, its strength is reduced. Depending on the knot, its load and the type of rope, the reduction can be more than 50 per cent. A well-spliced rope will typically retain 90 per cent of its quoted strength. So if the strength of the termination is critical you should always choose to splice rather than use a knot.


2


Swill off the salt Salt is a hard and


abrasive substance that easily finds its way into ropes. Lack of freshwater washing will shorten your ropes’ life expectancy. Wash them as often as possible – at least once a season. Dinghy ropes can be put in the washing machine, tucked inside a laundry bag or pillowcase. Soak larger ropes in a dustbin filled with clean water for at least 24 hours.


3


Check for chafing Reducing friction


is an easy way to prolong the life of ropes. Inspect clutches and sheaves – if they’re broken, chipped or sticking they’ll chafe the rope. Spreaders and the masts can also damage ropes, so check any potential contact points.


4


Be weather aware Ropes degenerate


under UV light, some more than others, so it’s always best to replace them with a mouse line for winter. And remember that UV light can filter through even on cloudy days, in case you think a season hasn’t been sunny enough for any damage to be have been caused.


5


Ask an expert If you’re in any doubt, it’s worth


consulting a rigger or industry specialist who will advise when ropes should be replaced. They’ll also suggest the right rope for the right job and how to splice or knot it. Load, coatings and rope design can all have an effect on the lifespan of a rope.


Photos: Westend61 / Agencja Fotoraficzna Caro / Alamy Stock Photo / Miljko / Onne Van Der Wal / HoleInTheBucket / Getty Images


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