[Paddlewise] Line

All kinds of line will work fine, but I still preffer large diameter
good quality yacht braid dacron.  Retired nylon climbing rope would be
ok too.  The reason I like the good quality large size line which has a
braided sheath is because it has such a nice hand (it forms knots easily
and smoothly) and because, with the oversize line (3/8 and larger), it
is easy to tie the boats firmly, but not too tight.  If the line is
large, and not too tight, it will not wear the gelcoat as badly.
Another advantage of using knots and low stretch line is that you tie
the boat in a slightly differrent spot every time, reducing the
potential wear at any one point.  I trust a good knot, tied in large
line so that you can see it clearly, more than I trust straps and
mechanical cams (though I am sure some of these are better made than
others).  The firm, but gentle, lashing in large, low stretch line,
will be unlikely to bend your boat out of shape.  Good quality dacron
(yacht braid, from a marine chandlery) will last for years and years
without loosing it's good handling qualities.  It resists UV and dirt
very well.

Nick Lyle

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