ShipStore.com Beacon: Boat Check-Up & Line Tensile Strength
Issue 70, March 7, 2006
http://www.ShipStore.com
Floating your boat since 1982 TM


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IN THIS ISSUE:
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~ WELCOME ABOARD: Captain Jim on Dock Line Tensile Strength
~ CAPTAIN'S TIP: Mid-Winter Boat Check-Up
~ CAPTAIN'S SPECIALS: Lots and Lots of Boating Line
~ CAPTAIN'S CONTEST: "Win a Shopping Spree" Drawing

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~ WELCOME ABOARD: Captain Jim on Dock Line Tensile Strength
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We recently received a question from a customer who wanted to purchase new dock lines and wished to know the difference in tensile strength of two different dock lines that we sell at ShipStore.com. Specifically he was asking about these:

UNICORD Double Braided White 3/8 x 25 Dock line
http://www.shipstore.com/SS/HTML/UNC/UNC440054.html

UNICORD Double Braided Gold and White 3/8 x 25 Dockline
http://www.shipstore.com/SS/HTML/UNC/UNC440214.html

The difference between the two products in this case was simply color, but Captain Jim's answer is worth passing along to all of our Beacon subscribers. I'll paraphrase.

Tensile strength isn't really a very useful figure for comparing braided lines, which is why you don't see it printed very often. All braided lines offer about the same breaking strength. Roughly speaking, the breaking strength of a 3/8 braided line is 4,400 pounds. Double braid tends to be a bit stronger, but it is still in the same ball park.

The amount of stretch and elasticity (stretch is obvious, elasticity is the ability to return to the pre-stretched state) will play a role in the perceived strength of a line as will the method in which the force is applied and whether there are any knots or sharp corners involved. Knots significantly weaken a line.

You don't want to generate a breaking strength on your dock lines. The way to avoid this is by tying them in such a way that they will be as long as possible to do their job on the dock. This means crossing your stern lines to make them at least as long as the beam of your boat rather than going straight down to the cleat on the corner. Spring lines should run as close to the length of the boat as possible. When a wave comes in, the boat can now ride up and down on the "X" formed by the lines rather than snapping against a short, straight one.

Historically, dock lines tend to tear the cleat off the boat or the dock before they actually fail. You can avoid needless repairs by using long dock lines.

Captain Jim
captjim@shipstore.com

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~ CAPTAIN'S TIP: Mid-Winter Boat Check-Up
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It's time for a mid-winter boat checkup. Take fifteen minutes now to ensure that you're happy come spring. Here's a quick set of guidelines for what to do during a visit to your stored boat.

1. First off, how's gravity treating your liquid asset? You should inspect your trailer and/or blocking for settling, shifting, etc. Temperature change, humidity fluctuations and activity in and around your boat can destabilize boat stands, blocks and even your trailer. Make sure that the vessel is secure (no significant movement side-to-side or front-to-back) and that it isn't leaning. If in doubt, ask someone to assist you in re-stabilizing it.

2. Is your boat dry inside? Open hatches and check for water leaks, mildew, mold, etc. If not (and maybe even if so, just to be safe,) grab a Starbrite mildew control bag and throw it in your bilge. Repeat for any other suspect areas.

http://www.shipstore.com/ss/html/STA/STA89900.html

3. Are your lines tidy and snug? Remember that exposure to the elements (especially extremes in temperature combined with moisture) shortens the life of your lines. When possible, remove your lines, halyards and other ropes and store them in a dry spot. This will extend the functional life of your lines, and it will result is more flexible and supple lines come boating season.

4. Are loose lines, halyards or tarp straps chafing of causing abrasion? Loose lines and cables can unfortunately damage your bright work, gel coat and other surfaces when permitted to repeatedly flap against them. If you've used a tarp to cover your boat, the ropes you used to secure it may have loosened from exposure or simply come untied. Find and secure all loose lines, halyards, etc.

5. Are your stanchions bent or loose? Whether from the weight of a snow laden boat cover or as a casualty of hauling and storing your vessel, stanchions bend and stanchion bases come loose from the deck. This is the perfect time to catch the problem. Replacing or rebedding a stanchion now will save you time in May or June when you're itching to get out on the water, and after a couple months of dry storage there's little or no danger that moisture in the hull, gunwale, base/mounting or backing plates will compromise the connection.

6. Are your hull and deck in good repair? Examine both for chips, cracks and blisters. If moisture is permeating your boat's "skin" then winter's dramatic temperature fluctuations can result in blistering, or even pitting of your gel coat that will help you identify problem areas that should be repaired or watched closely. Chipping and cracking can also indicate stress along seams (i.e. between hull and transom or hull and keel) that should be carefully inspected to determine if additional maintenance is required. Much better to tackle these problems now (or get a work order on file with your boatyard) than getting stuck with your boat in dry dock in the middle of July!

7. Is your vessel adequately protected? Inspect your custom boat cover, shrink-wrap cover or tarp. Look for rips or sections that may have come loose. Repair and secure your cover to prevent rain, snow and ice damage. Although it's vital to prevent the weather from finding its way into and onto you boat, it's important to make certain the covering is breathable to prevent moisture buildup inside and mildew or mold. If your boat is uncovered because it is stored indoors, I suggest you close and lock your hatches if there's any risk of vandalism or theft.

8. Did you remember to check in on your BABY boat too? If you have a dinghy, you should inspect it as well. Winter's a perfect time to tackle the dinghy maintenance issues which are often overlooked during the boating months. Inspect the hull and repair as needed. Sand and varnish the bright work. Examine and replace worn hardware. Check for leaks. Anti-foul the bottom. And generally spruce up the unsung hero of your boating activities, the loyal tender so often overshadowed by your "big boat".

Simple enough, right? Consider it preventative maintenance. A check-up to simplify and expedite your launch. Or, maybe just a chance to go visit your nautical love and reminisce over some great boating experiences from last season.

George Davis, Beacon Editor
editor@shipstore.com

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~ CAPTAIN'S SPECIALS: Lots and Lots of Boating Line
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Mega Cordage and Dock Lines Sale
http://www.shipstore.com/ss/html/SALE/SALECORDAGE.html

Samson Cordage
http://www.shipstore.com/SS/HTML/SAM/00-INDEX-SAM.html

Yale Cordage
http://www.shipstore.com/SS/HTML/YAL/00-INDEX-YAL.html

Wellington Cordage
http://www.shipstore.com/SS/HTML/WLP/00-INDEX-WLP.html

Seafarer Cordage
http://www.shipstore.com/SS/HTML/SEA/00-INDEX-SEA.html

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~ CAPTAIN'S CONTEST: "Win a Shopping Spree!" Drawing
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Win a $100.00 credit at ShipStore.com by submitting your 4th of July photos for the First Annual Independence Day Photo Contest. Photos should clearly capture the Independence Day theme, but the subject is totally up to you. Get creative. To be eligible, all you have to do is send us your photo(s) before August 1. If you have a digital camera, please send your photos as an attachment, preferably in JPG format. If your photos are printed, please scan them and send the digitals as an email attachment to: editor@shipstore.com . It's that easy!

You'll be sent a confirmation email to let you know that we've received your submission. Good luck.

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CONTACT INFORMATION
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ShipStore.com
6039 Route 9N
Westport, NY 12993
Telephone: 518-962-2700
Toll Free: 877-SHIPSTORE (US and Canada)
Fax: 518-962-4582

E-Mail sales@shipstore.com with any questions.