Material:  Lines (ropes) are commonly made out of three types of material:  Nylon, Dacron and Kevlar.  Nylon is stronger than Dacron.  It also stretches which is advantageous when it is used for anchor or docklines.  Dacron and Kevlar are low stretch they are often used for halyards, since the line will not have to be adjusted with increasing wind loads.   Lines may be braided or a three strand (laid) line.  Nylon laid (stranded) lines have the maximum stretch.     Type of Line Stretch at a Load of 50% Breaking Strength Stranded Nylon 30% Braided Nylon 15% Stranded Dacron 10% Braided Dacron 10% Kevlar & Spectra 5%

Strength:  The breaking strain is the force needed to break a line (rope).  The working strain is the greatest amount of force that can be placed on a line without damaging the line. Nylon has a working strain of about 10% of its breaking strain, Dacron has a working strain of about 20% its breaking strain.  Lines also come in a three strand weave or braided.  The braided weaves are approximately twice as strong. Go To Table:  Line Size and Working Strains    --A knot decreases the breaking and working strain by 50% --A splice decrease the breaking and working strain by 10%

Square Knot :  Used to tie two lines together
Sheet Bend :  This knot is used to tie two lines of equal or different sizes together
Bowline :  This knot is used to tie a line to a post.
Bowline :  This knot is used to tie a line around one's waist.
Clove Hitch :  This knot is used to tie a line to a post.
Round Turn & Two Half Hitches :  This knot is used to ties a line to a pole.
Figure Eight :  This knot is used as a stopper knot.
Cleat Hitch  Secure a line to a Deck Cleat

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Web page last updated:  12/16/2007

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