Polypropylene Rope

[Paulieb]

I got a great deal on a few hundred feet of polypropylene rope. I know that it is subject to some stretch, but how will it hold up under UV? Can I use it as a halyard line? What are some appropriate uses? What should be avoided? Thanks for any help guys.

The boat is finally going in the water today on it's mooring, hopefully we'll get to do some nice Fall sailing.

Paulieb

[Kelly Hanson East]

Polypropylene is really, really bad for UV resistance. Its usual application is for tow ropes, since it is less dense than water, and hence floats. You also find it in Lifeslings (r) with a nylon leader to keep the PP out of the sun

[ALX357]

Since it stretches, it's no good for halyard line. You will also notice that once tied with a tight knot, and put under tension, the stretch factor makes it very difficult to untie.

[Russ]

The only use I have for it is towing stuff because it floats, use it for my dinghy and towables.

It rots quickly in the sun, stretches and is difficult to tie because it's slippery and knots don't like to hold or cleat. The stuff is hard to hold in your hand and if it starts to wear creates nasty barbs that hurt my skin.

Maybe sell the surplus on eBay.

--Russ

[Duane Dunn, Allegro]

We carry a 400' spool of Poly and use it for shore ties. That and for tow lines is all it is good for.

[JasonDW]

What about climbing rope?

My friend had a couple falls on his climbing rope, and he decided to buy another, and gave me his 200' high quality line. It is 1/2 inch, but likely too stretchy for halyards/sheets. Any opinions?

JasonDW.

[ALX357]

several already given. read previous posts this thread.

[Kelly Hanson East]

Jason - do you know what material the rope is?? WM usually has a good sale on line a couple times a year - I would just get the right stuff rather than fooling with unknowns....unless you like stepping the mast a lot..

[Rick Westlake]

What about climbing rope?

My friend had a couple falls on his climbing rope, and he decided to buy another, and gave me his 200' high quality line. It is 1/2 inch, but likely too stretchy for halyards/sheets. Any opinions?

JasonDW.

It might serve you well for a spare anchor rode, or extra dock lines.

I don't climb, but I remember some info I've read on climbing ropes ... part of my jackdaw's nest of a memory. I do remember there are special lines made to be used in wet conditions, such as caving. Does this mean that "ordinary" climbing ropes will be degraded or weakened by getting them wet? Or just that they won't work for belaying you because the outer braid will get slippery or something?

If moisture will weaken the rope, it might not be good for anything but a Marlinespike Sailor doormat....

[bscott]

I bought 1/4" backpacking/climbing line from REI to use as my topping lift. I got real stiff and stretched too much BUT it was cheap

Bob

[craiglaforce]

Caution, honest opinion follows, proceed at your own risk.

Polypropylene is pretty much crap. It will look fine, but be totally weakened by UV. Just a little tug and the line will part. It should not even be legal to sell it as rope. Before it degrades, it is slippery and does not tie well.
If I am ever sentenced to be hung , my last request will be to use year old polypropylene that was kept outside!

Its not like we have to buy $50,000 diesel engines or pricey transmission rebuilds, or 800 bucks for a tank of boat fuel.
At least a sailor should buy some quality line for his boat if at all possible. I would guess that West marine has a good description of the different line types and uses on their website or catalog.

If you still want to save some money after research, You might try some generic braided polyester line for applications needing low stretch, and nylon for things you want to stretch like docklines and anchor rode. The higher priced cordages from top end manufacturers would generally add features for improved durabilitiy, abrasion resistance, UV resistance or lower stretch performance or greater strength to size and weight ratio(to reduce windage and weight aloft).

[AlaskaMan]

About the only thing polypro is good for is my crab pots.