Stiff mooring lines

[SimbaDog]

I have a couple of springs that I replaced at end of last season & they are now really stiff & pretty horrible to use.
Look like 3 strand nylon, is that just a fact of life /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

 

[CLP]

I think it is. Nylon goes like that. They soften again when wet.

 

[mick]

Polyester stays soft.

 

[Anwen]

You could try putting them in the washing machine with a lot of fabric conditioner. Just an idea - works well for my running rigging every year.

 

[SimbaDog]

Yes, wondered about that, might give it a try with one to start with.
Ta

 

[alec]

I have now given up on nylon rope. As mentioned, goes hard, not nice to touch and has too much stretch for most applications.

I used to have it on a topping lift and drove me bananas. I now use polyester as suggested. I can remember one chandler not bothering to stock it.

 

[Medskipper]

Its the salt! put them in the washing machine, but don't tell the wife, cos it sounds like world war three is starting!

Barry

 

[Refueler]

Medskipper is partly right ... it's the salt and crud that gets into the lay. Plus it hardens up out in all weathers / sun etc.

I am against using fabric softener in any ropework ... I usually hang loosely and wash off with fresh-water ... or leave in a bucket with soapy water ... then hose while hanging up ... leave to air-dry.

 

[Longshanks]

If they've got really green and cruddy (as my unused spinnaker halyard did), then just soaking didn't work. But whatever the wife put into the w/machine (liquid bio detergent I think) worked an absolute treat! Soft as a baby's and CLEAN! Same for the nylon mooring lines.

 

[Refueler]

[ QUOTE ]
If they've got really green and cruddy (as my unused spinnaker halyard did), then just soaking didn't work. But whatever the wife put into the w/machine (liquid bio detergent I think) worked an absolute treat! Soft as a baby's and CLEAN! Same for the nylon mooring lines.

[/ QUOTE ]

I also put my lines into wash machine regularly and they come up glorious ! But I do not add softener in rinse.

On boat - I do as I posted earlier

 

[Pye_End]

I've never had any success trying to ressurect nylon mooring rope. If you choose thicker rope it will stay softer for longer.

When you come to replace, choose polyester.