Spectra or poly double-braid? How to tell?

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QLDCruiser
QLDCruiser
QLD
160 posts
QLD, 160 posts
17 Feb 2013 4:17pm
Is there an easy way to tell whether used rope is spectra or polyester double braid? I have a furling line that needs replacing. It's only 8mm and I suspect it's spectra but how can I tell for sure?
Ramona
Ramona
NSW
7757 posts
NSW, 7757 posts
17 Feb 2013 6:30pm
QLDCruiser said...

Is there an easy way to tell whether used rope is spectra or polyester double braid? I have a furling line that needs replacing. It's only 8mm and I suspect it's spectra but how can I tell for sure?


Just replace with double braid. Spectra in 8mm is serious over kill. One of our local boating businesses just sells Spectra now, its annoying. Everyone asks for it is their comment. Double braid is better to handle and in 8mm is way over what you need for a furler, strength wise.
crustysailor
crustysailor
VIC
871 posts
VIC, 871 posts
17 Feb 2013 6:52pm
the double braid will be much more flexible. Spectra (or dyneema) is stiffer when you try coiling it. I'd go for the double braid as well, something thats comfortable to hold.
Jethrow
Jethrow
NSW
1282 posts
NSW, 1282 posts
18 Feb 2013 8:30am
If you can burn the core at one end, spectra will flare out and expand more than double braid.
rumblefish
rumblefish
TAS
824 posts
TAS, 824 posts
18 Feb 2013 4:50pm
Jethrow said...
If you can burn the core at one end, spectra will flare out and expand more than double braid.


This plus douple braids core and cover will stick to easch other when burnt, spectra's will jot.

As said above, just go double braid for a furling line.
QLDCruiser
QLDCruiser
QLD
160 posts
QLD, 160 posts
19 Feb 2013 10:28am
Thanks Rumblefish and Jethrow - I just have to wait until things dry out before doing the experiment! Still raining here now though. But it will be academic anyway, I've been convinced to just go double braid for about 1/4 the price.
PhilY
PhilY
NSW
158 posts
NSW, 158 posts
28 Feb 2013 3:59pm
Do not use ordinary double braid core on a furling line. You will then sail with a half furled headsail and use a winch to tighten the headsail sheet.

1:1 furling line that's smaller in size than the heady sheet, the furling line will give especially since it cops more sun/UV than any other line on the boat.

Use a Dyneema core - please.
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