Page 14 - Mario Bigon "The Morrow Guide to Knots"

How to choose arope

The choice of rope should be based on what it will ultimately
be used for and should also take into consideration both the
material it is made of and the type (braided ortwisted).

Choosing on the basis ofmaterial

Rigging
Anchorage Mooring Towing and Halyards
stays

Polypropylene X X
Polyamide x X X
Polyester X X X X
Aramid X X

Choice based on the lay
Twisted rope Braided rope
More rigid Softer and easier to handle; slides
more easily through snap-links and
fairleads
Keeps its circular section Flattens and holds better on winch
drums
Excellent resistance to wear, loses Does not lose its resistance untit the
resistance gradually as wear core is damaged
increases
All parts of the rope are clearly visible May have hidden flaws beneath the
so it has no secrets sheath, or, more often, cheating,
particularly the use of cheaper types
of fiber
Grips the knot very well Some knots come undone too easily
Can be spliced to steel cable Using core with very little elasticity,
you can have rope that does not
stretch (excellent for halyards)
Basically a rope for heavy duty work More versatile rope, more manage·
(anchoring, mooring, etc.) able and often more attractive

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