Cordage Review

Summary

Look on any boat of any size and you’re bound to see some rope. Cordage is important for sailing vessels in particular, but for all kinds of boats as well. Every boat needs to tie up, and a vessel can be in for some serious damage if the cordage doesn’t hold up. Of course, water sports use rope for towing, and sailing boats are by far the most dependant on cordage, with rope in all of their rigging.

A rope seems fairly basic, but there are some things to think about as you shop for cordage. As important as this part of your equipment is, you can’t afford to cut corners when purchasing the cordage for your boat.

Pros

• Know what you need before purchasing. Contrary to how it might appear, all ropes are not the same. You should pay attention to elasticity, thickness, and total load rating.
• Elasticity refers to the amount that the rope will flex as it bears a load. Tow ropes range from highly elastic bungee cords to tight, non-elastic ropes. Generally, the best ropes have a balanced elasticity. In fact, the ability to stretch a little gives a rope more strength.
• Many people think that thickness measures the strength of a rope, but actually, strength depends on a variety of factors including the material it is made of and the way it is woven together. On a practical level, thickness just means more inconvenience for you as you try to wind and store the rope.
• What you should really pay attention to is the weight rating. This information is usually on the package. Check your owner’s manual or talk to a boating store representative to get an idea of what rating you need for your boat.

Cons

• Because cordage takes up space, it is tempting for some boat owners to minimize the amount of mooring line then carry with them. Make sure that you always have enough to keep your boat secure at the dock. If you have a large boat or if you plan to bet at the dock for a long period of time, tie your boat in front and back. Of course, you should always tie your boot very securely in inclement weather.
• Good rope is pricey. Resist the temptation to buy an inferior rope just because it is half the price of the better brand.

Featured Manufacturers

Seafit, New England Ropes, Acco Chain, and Suncor

Conclusion

There are some things you can do without on a boat, but rope is not one of them. Every boat owner needs quality rope in the amount that he needs to secure his boat well. The price of a good rope is small compared to the serious damage you could face by not tying your boat securely.