Best Rope for a Jack Stay

[Andrew_Trayfoot]

Hi All,

What is the best rope for a safey line/jack stay?

Thanks,

Andrew

 

[Gwylan]

Ask my mate Joe at ropeloft.????? its on google

 

[Forest Girl]

Most boats I have sailed on use 25mm webbing anchored each end to a deck fitting like a d ring. One boat I had used stainless steel wire anchored the same way. I have never seen rope ones but I guess you could use something like polyester 10mm. Don't quote me on that though.

 

[sarabande]

laid or braided rope can be a bit slidey underfoot. Webbing strap is popular for a reason.

 

[oldbilbo]

I don't have the figures and reference to hand at present, but have a recollection that manufacturers expect jackstay webbing to lose one-third to one-half of its strength after a six months' continuous exposure to daylight/UV, salt and grime by permanently laying on deck.

Where does that leave one after two seasons?

Well more than a decade ago, I fitted new webbing jackstay's to a friend's Rival. Some eight years later, they hadn't been changed. Mind you, he had much the same cavalier approach to liferaft and LSJ servicing, and his flares bag needed someone like 'Nick' from Bluestone 42 to tidy it up.

I'm a fan of 1x 19 stainless in that role. Ultraviolet radiation has no measurable effect. It simply works.... and concerns for it rolling underfoot don't trouble me, as I place my feet with care.

 

[prv]

I don't have the figures and reference to hand at present, but have a recollection that manufacturers expect jackstay webbing to lose one-third to one-half of its strength after a six months' continuous exposure to daylight/UV, salt and grime by permanently laying on deck.
[...]
I'm a fan of 1x 19 stainless in that role. Ultraviolet radiation has no measurable effect. It simply works.... and concerns for it rolling underfoot don't trouble me, as I place my feet with care.

Ariam came with a pair of very faded webbing jackstays. I replaced them before our first serious passage (the infamous 2013 Scuttlebutt Cherbourg ) as I had no faith in them whatsoever. Being a bit of a rush job, I replaced them like for like with extortionately expensive webbing (and stainless length adjusters) bought from Force 4 that morning.

I reckon those should last until I get round to my long-term plan, which is to install fittings on the cabin sides to take 1x19 stainless. There's a natural line in the moulding which they'll run along without looking out of place in normal conditions. In boisterous conditions the lack of stretch, the greater distance from the rail, and the raised position allowing a shorter tether, will make it less likely that someone will go over the side. Being on the cabin side rather than on the deck means the rolling-underfoot issue doesn't arise.

Pete

 

[Twister_Ken]

If you can use wire, you'll find the tether hook will slide along it far more easily than it will on webbing.

 

[William_H]

The general opinion is that webbing tape is to be used as it si safer to step on. Wo'nt roll under foot. If you are happy to risk that then a minimmum stretch rope should be used of adequate strength or ss wire even better. What is really important is that he stay be near the centre of the boat so that witha short tether you can not go over the side.
Do not think that if you remain attached to the boat but in the water that is adequate. It would be impossible if single handed to get yourself back on the boat if the boat is moving at any speed. I have tried it with a harness at 4 knots I could do nothing but try to stay breathing.
Interesting about 25mm webbing strength. I use it for toe straps on the edge of the cockpit seats. We sit on the gunwhale. I have replaced it before but present straps have been out in the sun all year for some years. Perhaps I need to check and replace them. Someone might get a surprise swim if they let go.
good lcuk olewill

 

[PetiteFleur]

I use 25mm webbing, 2000kg breaking strain, BUT they are removed after every trip and stored below. They have snap shackles each end for quick attachment. Only fitted if going on a long trip, short local trips in good weather I don't bother. Washed at every layup and have now lasted 8 years with no visible deteration.
My previous boat had them fitted when purchased but on close inspection was totally rotten, you could peel the stitching apart at each end! Relegated to the rubbish bin immediately.
My friends boat has stainless wire and they are lethal as they are positioned such that it almost impossible to avoid them when going forward and they ALWAYS roll underfoot. They would be fine if they could be positioned so you cannot step on them but on his boat this would be very difficult.

 

[Jamesuk]

Most boats I have sailed on use 25mm webbing anchored each end to a deck fitting like a d ring. One boat I had used stainless steel wire anchored the same way.

+1

 

[johnphilip]

laid or braided rope can be a bit slidey underfoot. Webbing strap is popular for a reason.

Not just Slippery but it rolls across the side deck as you stand on it.