Back Splicing Octoplait

[[70521]]

Has anyone ever back-spliced octoplait before? I'm thinking about back splicing the ends of my new mooring lines since it will give me something to grip onto at the end of the rope. B) I don't think whipping will be effective on such pliable rope, and C) I doubt heat shrink will be effective on this type of rope.

I believe it will be pretty similar to performing three stands, but I'd be curious to know if anyone has back-spliced octoplait.

I've been looking for directions on Google for too long, and YouTube has let me down.

 

[lustyd]

Whipping works well on it just make sure it’s tight.

I’ve spliced loops in the end which is the same process, actually easier than 3 strand just find a good guide or video. Essentially you mark two sets of two which are on opposite sides of the rope and then feed these under the non marked ones while passing the non marked under the marked. Or buy pre-marked rope like Marlow or Jimmy Green. Do about 10 links worth and neaten off.
One thing I did learn was to not keep the pairs taped together as they twist horribly. Use them together but keep them separated.

 

[Martin_J]

As you say, it's like the 3 strand back splice (once you have managed to get the start right).

Do Jimmy Green's Anchorplait instructions work for your rope...

Anchorplait Splicing Instructions | Jimmy Green Marine



Although the diagram doesn't exactly make it clear, however Lustyd's hints are good.

 

[Martin_J]

And tbh i think I've only ever whipped the bare ends of octoplait (or joined it to chain).

 

[lustyd]

Try not to look at the left side of that diagram, it’ll drive you crazy. The right one is helpful and once you have the rope unlaid will be relatively obvious how to achieve. Don’t forget to tape the point where you will splice from, this stuff comes apart easily.

 

[Martin_J]

Ah yes.. so it is... I think I gave up looking at the screen after trying to fathom the left one..

 

[B27]

You can whip any rope effectively if you use some sort of whipping which involves a few strategic stitches through the rope.
Even works on slippery dyneema.

 

[[70521]]

Thanks all. Never thought the Jimmy Green would have the answer. It is my usual cordage supplier, but unfortunately needed a very fast turn round as I have a new mooring and the existing warps had been in the water for three years and rather mussel bound.

This new line is very pliable and already deployed. Not sure if I could get the purchase sat on the foredeck to do a really tight whipping and burying the melted ends in the rope does appeal.

For some reason locally they put eye splices in which makes no sense to me as an OXO is easier to put on a cleat with a tide running.

A job for tomorrow.

 

[sarabande]

Could a case be made for retaining the eye splice at the inboard end ? Easy to drop over a decent-sized cleat; bulkier than plain octoplait, so a decent handhold.

My mooring lines (admittedly 3 strand polysteel) were, after much experimentation, shortened to the optimum length with an eye splice. Once it was on a cleat, either at the sharp or blunt end, the boat was on the F&A morring, and the rest of tidying up could take place calmly and quietly (except on one occasion with a F5 blowing athwartships).

 

[B27]

My permanent mooring lines are way too fat to OXO on my cleats.
So they are spliced eyes.

We seem to have inherited a 'variety' of other mooring lines, I generally prefer those without eye splices when we are out and about.

 

[Supertramp]

Thanks all. Never thought the Jimmy Green would have the answer. It is my usual cordage supplier, but unfortunately needed a very fast turn round as I have a new mooring and the existing warps had been in the water for three years and rather mussel bound.

This new line is very pliable and already deployed. Not sure if I could get the purchase sat on the foredeck to do a really tight whipping and burying the melted ends in the rope does appeal.

For some reason locally they put eye splices in which makes no sense to me as an OXO is easier to put on a cleat with a tide running.

A job for tomorrow.

Yes, you can do it. I made an anchor bridle with two equal length spliced loops in the end (and a brummel splice in the middle). Although not perfect I was happy for a 1st attempt in octoplait. Followed online instructions, can't remember which but it's just like doing 3 strand plus some added complexity.
Don't ask why the NG anchor is on deck. The splices have withstood plenty of blows.

 

[MontyMariner]

You might just as well put an eye splice in both ends.
Then it doesn't matter which end you pick up.

 

[[70521]]

You might just as well put an eye splice in both ends.
Then it doesn't matter which end you pick up.

I think I'd struggle undoing the massive shackle that is attached to the other end.

It is always interesting to read all the suggestions on a post.