Nylon starter rope

Nylon does not rot in water but it absorbs quickly and loses about 20% of its resistance when wet. It is non-floating. It is resistant to moisture.

Density: 1.14

Nylon has excellent UV resistance. It is ideal for long-term outdoor exposure.

Nylon is resistant to mites, bacteria, strong alkalis (ammonia, soda) and bleaching agents.

It is sensitive to mineral, formic acids, concentrated acetic acids and some phenols.

• Critical temperature: 160°C
• Melting point: 260°C
• Smell of celery with flame, white smoke
• Hardly flammable, does not maintain combustion

A Garcette (lashing line) is a small synthetic rope with a diameter generally less than 5mm used to do all kinds of small work on a ship.

A halyard is used to hoist a sail to the top of the mast, while a sheet is used to adjust its angle relative to the wind.
It is the sheet that allows you to control the boom and trim the sail to gain or reduce speed.

Dyneema® is the benchmark technical fiber for halyards and sheets. Both very lightweight and extremely strong, it stands out for its near-zero stretch, ensuring precise and consistent trimming over time.
Long reserved for high-performance sailing, it is now widely used on demanding cruising boats. Its higher cost is justified by its performance and durability.

More accessible, polyester is the most commonly used material on cruising boats, valued for its versatility. It performs well under constant load and offers good resistance to UV and seawater. However, it does have some stretch, making it a good compromise between strength, durability, and flexibility.

Polyamide (nylon), a stiffer and more elastic material, is generally reserved for mooring and anchoring lines

Which materials ?

• Polyamide (nylon) is the most suitable fiber for mooring lines. Highly elastic and resistant to abrasion, it effectively absorbs shocks caused by the boat’s movements. Its UV resistance is, however, slightly lower than that of polyester.
• Polyester is a durable alternative, known for its excellent resistance to UV and abrasion. Its lower elongation makes it less effective at absorbing shocks, but more suitable for stable mooring lines.
• Polyethylene, thanks to its floating properties, is useful for specific applications such as buoy pick-ups, temporary moorings or areas with propeller risk.

Three-strand or braided mooring line?

• Three-strand: more rigid, it is mainly appreciated for its ease of splicing, ideal for making loops or custom mooring lines.
• Braided: more flexible and comfortable to handle, it offers better comfort when maneuvers are frequent.

What length? What diameter?

• Diameter: boat length (in meters) + 4. Example: 6 m boat → recommended diameter: 10 mm
• Length: choose mooring lines measuring 2 to 3 times the length of the boat to maintain flexibility and effectively absorb loads.

Polyamide (nylon) and polyester fibers are the most commonly used in boating. Both offer good resistance to UV, salt and marine conditions.

• Polyamide (nylon) is particularly recommended for mooring lines. Highly elastic, it effectively absorbs shocks, but may stretch and slightly lose strength when wet.
• Polyester, more stable, is a versatile fiber used for mooring lines as well as halyards and sheets. It has excellent resistance to UV and abrasion, with lower elongation.
• Polyethylene, lightweight and floating, is mainly intended for specific uses such as buoy pick-ups or temporary moorings.
• Hemp, historically used on traditional rigs, is now appreciated for its authentic look, although it is less suited to intensive use in a marine environment.