3 STRAND (vs) DOUBLE BRAID ROPE
You may be asking what is he talking about or you may feel you know the answer. 3 Strand and double braid are perhaps the two most common types of rope construction available today. Nylon is the fiber usually being used and boaters swear by one or the other type of construction, although there are a few who use both types for different applications.
Each should start with the same quality nylon - only the best will be suitable for long lasting reliable use. Having said that, what are the pro's and con's of the best of each type.
3 Strand and double braid are commonly used for dock lines, mooring pendants and anchor lines. Nylon is strong rope. Double braid nylon is usually about 10% stronger than 3 Strand nylon. Double braid is smooth and does not tangle easily. It has two flaws, well not so much flaws as characteristics. It doesn't stretch much so it will break more quickly during a freak wind situation for instance. Secondly, if the outer braid is damaged, it loses a large part of its strength, making it much weaker than 3 strand.
3 Strand is about 10 % less strong, but it stretches under extreme conditions before it breaks. It does not feel smooth and you must coil it so it doesn't tangle, but if a strand is damaged, it will only lose the strength for the depth of the damage and will have the full strength of the remaining strands. The 3 Strand is cheaper too.
Make the comparisons, the choice is yours. If you have a question, email me " I have a question" - john@mastermarinelines.net - Today is the day to shop and buy the lines you need. Safe boating, John
Each should start with the same quality nylon - only the best will be suitable for long lasting reliable use. Having said that, what are the pro's and con's of the best of each type.
3 Strand and double braid are commonly used for dock lines, mooring pendants and anchor lines. Nylon is strong rope. Double braid nylon is usually about 10% stronger than 3 Strand nylon. Double braid is smooth and does not tangle easily. It has two flaws, well not so much flaws as characteristics. It doesn't stretch much so it will break more quickly during a freak wind situation for instance. Secondly, if the outer braid is damaged, it loses a large part of its strength, making it much weaker than 3 strand.
3 Strand is about 10 % less strong, but it stretches under extreme conditions before it breaks. It does not feel smooth and you must coil it so it doesn't tangle, but if a strand is damaged, it will only lose the strength for the depth of the damage and will have the full strength of the remaining strands. The 3 Strand is cheaper too.
Make the comparisons, the choice is yours. If you have a question, email me " I have a question" - john@mastermarinelines.net - Today is the day to shop and buy the lines you need. Safe boating, John