Polyester or Polypropylene?

[westernman]

On my gaff rigged pilot cuttern I am looking at replacing some modern looking sheets and halyards with something more classic like this:-

http://www.sylev.fr/lstProduit.aspx?idSousFamille=64

What is the difference between polyester and polypropylene?

Any recommendations?

 

[Tranona]

Polypropelene is rubbish rope - think what fishermen use for their marker pots. It is low strength, hard, not UV resistant and its only use on a yacht is as a afloating line.

Polyester is the generic term that covers most yacht ropes. Either 3 strand (usually used for mooring warps, but can be used for halyards) or braid on braid used for both halyards and sheets. For traditional boats there are some 3 strand ropes made which look like traditional hemp ropes (mainly colour) but with the low stretch and long life characteristics of modern ropes.

 

[westernman]

Polypropelene is rubbish rope ...... It is low strength,

According to the web site I quoted in the OP, polypropylene is size for size stronger than polyester. Am I missing something?

 

[Tranona]

Suggest you go on th Jimmy Grren site www.jimmygreen.co.uk They have probably the widest range of ropes. Polypropelene is only for mooring warps where floating is required. Sheets and halyards are polyester.

Not necessarily the cheapest or only source, but the best source of information on rigging.

 

[Peterduck]

If you're prepared to replace it all in 12 months because it is turning to dust in your hand and breaking as soon as you put any tension on it, then go ahead and waste your money on polypropylene. If you were in Finland, you'd get a longer life out of it, but not in the south of France. A genuine manilla rope would give longer service.
Peter.

 

[cowpat]

On my gaff rigged pilot cuttern I am looking at replacing some modern looking sheets and halyards with something more classic like this:-

http://www.sylev.fr/lstProduit.aspx?idSousFamille=64

What is the difference between polyester and polypropylene?

Any recommendations?

I agree with all the previous advice.There is one other point that may be of some help to you even though you are talking about running rigging.The black polypropyline which is the same material and construction as the blue or white has a coulering aditive(don't know what it is).This has proved it's UV resistance and seems to have longevity over that of lighter colors where we and others have used it for winter mooring lines that are left in place all year and in places where damage to them is likely,so expensive ropes stay in the locker.Chris.