Get Spliced

The best thing about a splice is that it will retain the linear strength of the rope. Whereas a knot changes the rope's structure and immediately reduces the strength.

3 Lay

This is probably the most common rope and usually made of polyester or a more stretchable nylon. Floating polyethelene, duradan and a winch friendly 'heatset' version are also available.

 

There are many types of splices which can be applied with this rope, but the eye splice, with or without a thimble (pictured) is the most common.

Double Braid / Dyneema

Double braid has a polyester core and outer where dyneema has a stronger reduced stretch core.

 

Both splice exactly the same way and can be used as a plain eye or with hardware such as a thimble or friction ring (pictured).

 

Most importantly, I stitch all braid splices internally and externally to stop the eye closing up or pulling apart.

Dock line

Dock line is a softer type of double braid which is less abrasive on the boats paintwork and gelcoat. It's best used as the name suggests, for tying up at the dock but it's also perfect as a tow rope.

 

I stitch dockline internally and externally to prevent the splice closing or coming apart.

Multi-plait
(8 strand)

8 strands combine to make this a very strong rope suitable as warp to chain on your anchor. Care does need to be taken that your winch can take this rope.

 

Some people will splice this in pairs but I splice each individual strand (pictured) to get a tighter, neater splice which will retain the rope's strength and run smoothly through an anchor winch.

 

If this rope isn't suitable for a winch then a special purpose 3 lay rope called, heatset, is likely to be the best option.

Dyneena /
winch rope

Stronger than stainless steel, this rope is less versatile but is exceptional where large loads are involved. This rope has a UV protective coating which gives it an edge on stronger ropes like kevlar and vectran.

 

Splicing is the only option with this material as it will not hold a knot.

Cat's Paw Splice

The cat's paw splice doesn't have the same strength as a normal long splice, but damn they look good.

 

This splice was made in synthetic manilla 3 lay rope.