Rope to lasso cleats

[richardh10]

We use some ancient 3 strand to lasso cleats when we come onto a pontoon, and have decided to splash out (ha-ha) on some new ones. Is the general opinion that 3strand is better than braid on braid, or is there something else I should be considering?

 

[BelleSerene]

If you mean genuinely lasso cleats - ie with a bowline on the end of your warp, and projecting the bowline from on board to go over the pontoon cleat - then yes. The problem with using braid on braid for the purpose is its flexibility, so it’s hard to keep the loop a loop after it’s been flung two or three metres. And similarly, the fatter the rope, the better.

For a great demonstration, watch dockmen do the job. If you’re in London (I’m not), the bosun on the Thames riverboats does an amazing job of it from a few metres away. They only use three-strand.

 

[LadyInBed]

Old and stiff is good for the job.
Come to think of it, a bit like me!
If it's new line, then a long loop guided over the cleat with a boat hook also does a job. As to type of line, I would use whatever you normally use as docking line.

 

[t21]

Ooh another of my bugbears this one. It's gotta be stretchy stuff for docklines, else the boat will snatch and urgh, very uncomfy. If not three-strand (which eventually goes creaky unless you manage to find a washing machine unattended by any female) then octoplait which i think is lighter, stretchier and still hand-friendly - which I think must be the reason that so many people use braided lines. The other reason being that some numpty boatbuilders supply the boat with braided docklines which look smart but are the WRONG stuff for the job.

 

[Spyro]

Rather than lasso, Have you tried 2 coils of proper soft mooring rope, one in each hand. Throw the coils so that you end up with the rope lying the far side of the cleat on the pontoon. Then just take up the slack. It needs some practice but not as much as lassoing does.

 

[Bobc]

I use braid on braid and it works fine for me.

 

[richardh10]

Rather than lasso, Have you tried 2 coils of proper soft mooring rope, one in each hand. Throw the coils so that you end up with the rope lying the far side of the cleat on the pontoon. Then just take up the slack. It needs some practice but not as much as lassoing does.

Thanks for that. The captain has been practising this morning, and has found that to be by far the best way

 

[Humblebee]

Rather than lasso, Have you tried 2 coils of proper soft mooring rope, one in each hand. Throw the coils so that you end up with the rope lying the far side of the cleat on the pontoon. Then just take up the slack. It needs some practice but not as much as lassoing does.

With you on that Spyro, and would also add that wetting the rope first ie dropping it in the drink gives it more weight and makes it easier to throw.

 

[johnalison]

I don't particularly see the point in using the most difficult technique when easier methods are to hand. It is easier to throw a loop of doubled line as described if you must, and convert it to single later if desired. If people built sensible boats without so much freeboard that crew can't easily step ashore, the discussion wouldn't arise.

 

[Daydream believer]

I don't particularly see the point in using the most difficult technique when easier methods are to hand. It is easier to throw a loop of doubled line as described if you must, and convert it to single later if desired. If people built sensible boats without so much freeboard that crew can't easily step ashore, the discussion wouldn't arise.

No, but they still would not be able to do it because they would have backache because they could not stand upright when down below
But you are right about keeping both ends aboard. Makes casting off far easier as well

 

[Daydream believer]

With you on that Spyro, and would also add that wetting the rope first ie dropping it in the drink gives it more weight and makes it easier to throw.

Must remember that excuse next time I miss as well:encouragement:

 

[dragonvc]

The very good crews on the Sydney Harbour ferries use the hairy 3 plait probably polypropylene,I suspect they wear out before UV destroys them.