Stiff Dock Lines

[Skippa]

Good Morning,
I have a few older dock lines, 10 foot, 3/8, three strand nylon that are rather stiff, I have thought about soaking them in fabric softener and giving them a good rinse. Anybody have any other suggestions ?
Kevin

[GreenLake]

Just google, and you'll find this is an oft-discussed topic. Opinions vary. All agree rinsing/washing is good. Some suggest go easy on the detergent. Some say, use soap. All say, use a bag/pillow case if you use a washer (although front-loaders don't have agitators around which a rope could wrap). Some use fabric softeners, others warn of unspecified dangers from doing so. All warn about using the dryer.

There you have it, isn't the internet great?

What makes your lines stiff? The usual culprit seems to be salt, but your location suggests otherwise.

I've used a front loader w/o a bag in the past, can't remember whether with detergent. Definitely didn't use fabric softener.

But sometimes, you just look at rope and know it's time for it to move on to less critical uses, or non-uses. 3/8" docking line goes for $0.60 a foot, which should make eventual replacement quite affordable.

[Skippa]

Green Lake,
I had a good feeling you would have advice and an opinion on this subject. I too have heard of the "unspecified" harmfull effects of fabric softener and that was the driving force for the post.
I have had the Daysailor for three months now, Love her very much but I am graduating into the " I don't want to keep throwing money" at her mode. I also want to avoid buying somthing if I can safely gain a bit more service life out of.
I believe it is sun light that makes the fibers hard in this climate and because of that washing may be short term solution. Will give it a try and if it doesn't help the boat store gets and another 20 out of me.
Thanks again, I am sure I will reach out and try and tap your knowledge again in the near future............. got that sticking centerboard that needs a little maintenance...
Kevin

[talbot]

I agree that the lines are suffering from UV deterioration. Washing might improve the hand, but the lines are still weakened. Small nylon line ("parachute cord") can sometimes be broken by hand after a season in full sun. 3/8 nylon is overkill for a 600-lb boat, so I expect a couple of years' use out of my lines. But I keep emergency nylon lines like tow rope and anchor rode out of the sun.

Nylon is still a good material for dock lines because of its elasticity and high initial strength. You just have to accept that it's a consumable commodity, not a long-term capital expense.