Unleash the Power of Nylon Rope – The Strongest of Them All!
Nylon rope is known for its superior strength and high energy absorption capabilities. However, keep in mind that its strength decreases by 15% when wet, making it suitable for applications that are protected from water exposure. With high resistance to UV, heat, and abrasion, nylon rope has a long lifespan, making it an excellent choice for various boating applications.
Get the Best of Both Worlds with Polyester Rope
Polyester rope is almost as strong as nylon, but it doesn’t lose strength when wet. With excellent resistance to abrasion, UV, and heat, polyester rope is an ideal choice for applications where stretch is not desired, such as sheets and halyards on sail boats.
Stay Afloat with Polyethylene Rope – The Silver Rope
Polyethylene rope, also known as silver rope, has positive buoyancy and maintains its tensile strength even when wet. While it has a lower breaking strength compared to high tenacity polyethylene rope, it offers superior abrasion resistance and is commonly used for commercial fishing, general marine, and industrial applications.
Choose the Right Twist for Your Rope Needs
Twisted rope is made by coiling three strands together, resulting in a balanced rope that resists kinking and hangs straight. With a stiff but less flexible construction, twisted rope is easier to splice and absorb a portion of the load, making it an excellent choice for anchor lines.
Braided Rope – The Ultimate in Flexibility and Strength
Braided rope is constructed by weaving ends of yarn over and under, resulting in a firm and rounded rope that resists unraveling when damaged. Solid braided rope is ideal for applications where abrasion is a factor, while hollow braided rope is easier to splice. Braided rope is less stiff and more flexible than twisted rope and is generally stronger, making it an excellent choice for docking lines and pulleys.
Shop with Confidence at Boat Hut
At Boat Hut, we offer a 30-day return policy and 24/7 buyer support to ensure your complete satisfaction. Browse our full range of boat ropes and choose the best one for your boating needs today!
Rope is available in a variety of materials and variations. The make-up or construction of the rope will determine its strength, abrasion resistance, ease of use, and ultimately its price.
Boat Hut can source a range of high quality rope to suit almost any scenario. The key is to choose the
right one for the right job; the following guide will help you make the correct choice.
Rope Material
Nylon: The strongest, most accessible rope material, it excels in absorbing energy. Even though it is quite strong it loses about 15% of its strength when wet. This should be factored into the selection decision for applications where the rope will be exposed to water. Nylon rope is very dense and sinks in water. It is the pick of the rope for a host of applications because it has high U.V., heat and abrasion resistance which increases the ropes life.
Polypropylene: A synthetic rope that is strong for its weight. It has reduced U.V. and abrasion resistance qualities and thus also has a reduced life span. It is however, generally one of the most popular choices simply
due to its price point. Its best feature is its ability to float. This rope is a good choice for short term or indoor applications.
Polyester: Almost as strong as nylon, but does not lose strength when wet. Polyester has a high resistance to
abrasion, U.V. and heat. The main difference between nylon and polyester is the elasticity; nylon stretches significantly more than polyester. Nylon is more appropriate for applications where slight stretch is desirable, such as docking lines.
Similarly, polyester line is more appropriate for applications where stretch is not desired, such as sheets and halyards on sail boats.
Polyethylene: Polyethylene rope, commonly known as silver rope, has positive buoyancy (floats) and its
tensile strength remains the same dry or wet. It is slightly heavier than polypropylene rope and it has lower breaking strength compared to a high tenacity polyethylene rope. It generally has superior abrasion resistance compared to polypropylene rope and is commonly used in commercial fishing, general marine and industrial applications.
Twisted rope
Twisted rope: Twisted rope is formed by coiling three strands together in the same direction. The fibres within each of the three strands must twist in the opposite direction to the corresponding strands. This ultimately results in producing a balanced rope, which means it hangs straight and resists kinking. Twisted rope must be fused and taped on each end to prevent unravelling. The direction of twist is called the lay of the rope. Three strand twisted line can be ‘laid’ right or left, and should always be coiled with the lay of the line.
Twisted rope is more stiff but less flexible than braided rope. It is fairly easy to splice and generally less expensive. It has more stretch and thus when used as an anchor line it tends to absorb a portion of the load placed on it from wind and wave action. This allows the anchor to remain set rather than pulling free.
Braided rope
Braided rope: Braid is constructed in various ways, but generally by weaving ends of yarn over and under. Most braided ropes are constructed around a braided core and are commonly known as double braid. If a core does not exist, the rope is called ‘hollow braid’. The leading feature of hollow braided rope is its ability to splice easily.
Solid braid is tightly woven which produces a firm and rounded construction. The unique lock-stitch construction prevents unravelling when damaged. Solid braided rope is especially useful when abrasion is a factor, for instance when working with pulleys. Solid braid due to its construction, cannot be spliced. Braided rope does not stretch to the degree that twisted rope does, it is less stiff and more flexible. It goes through a pulley or block very well because of its rounded shape, and is generally stronger than its equivalent-sized twisted line. Braided line also tends to snag when used as docking line if the pilings are rough. It does have an aesthetic appearance and if you are using it frequently, you will find it easier on the hands. Braided rope is often more expensive than twisted rope.
