When a winch line breaks...
- Thread starter classic72
- Start date
I Leak Oil
Expedition Leader
Why is UV such a big issue when it's on a winch but not when it's on a boat?
Stumpalump
Expedition Leader
Boats don't have sand and mud in the line. They don't store all the lines in the sun 24/7 and typically don't use the line any where near its rated capacity. When I raced we inspected every inch of every line a few times a year. Important lines left in the sun like sail halyards got replaced the moment it was faded, old or frayed. Most were also covered like the high end master pull line unless the absolute lightest weight was critical like on a spinnaker line but in that case the line was never stored in the sun.
I Leak Oil
Expedition Leader
I doubt commercial boats treat it like that though and probably don't use the expensive coated stuff a whole lot.
This site has a fair amount of info.
http://eurofibers.com/fibers/dyneema/
This site has a fair amount of info.
http://eurofibers.com/fibers/dyneema/
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jeverich
Luddite
Yes.
http://www.samsonrope.com/Documents...ction Retirement Pocket Guide_AUG2013_WEB.pdf
Dyneema and other similar Ultra High Modulus fibers have extremely high UV resistance. If I replaced every length of synthetic line on board the vessel that I operate at the first sign of it changing color, we'd overshoot the budget by about $10k every 6 months. I'm sorry, but that's just a marketing fallacy that lines can't be left out in the sun without risk of degradation. Our winch lines stay exposed to salt water, sun, snow, rain 24/7, 365. Ropes like Amsteel will begin to lose their "color" relatively quickly. Dyneema in it's raw form is white in color, and the dying process is just that; a dye. Check out Samson's "Tech. Bulletin" that I posted a link to. It's an interesting read.
The higher end synthetics like the "Masterpull covered stuff" (Hampidjan Dynex Dux) --- http://www.hampidjan.is/Products/Fishing/DynexRopes/ --- is great for specific applications. However, mostly I find it to be cost prohibitive for a lot of what I need synthetic rope to do. The cost factor, coupled with the fact that it simply isn't field splice-able; (must be spliced in a factory environment). That being said, the strength and abrasion resistance of that stuff is simply amazing - and it's incredibly strong.
I find I usually go slightly oversize with choosing the diameter of line that I use for a specific application. Case in point is a winch line that I just replaced yesterday; a 10,000 Lb. hydraulic winch - 70 feet of 5/8" Amsteel Blue. Average breaking strength of ~45k Lbs. Someone will have to work pretty hard to break that line. Not saying it's impossible. Synthetics are incredibly picky about sheave size, contour, etc. Masterpull was making an awesome snatch block specifically designed for synthetic rope - not sure if they're still available.
Bottom line.
Do you own research, make your own decision. I find it funny how this topic has so much subjective interpretation and rumors associated with it, "My buddy told me...", etc.
There are some pretty amazing fibers out there that are a departure from what's always been used for winch lines in the past.
http://www.euronete.com/products/view_product/3/105/
http://www.euronete.com/products/view_product/3/106/
http://www.euronete.com/products/view_product/3/60/
I'm contemplating trying out some new material that I've been able to play around with through a connection within the fishing industry. PM me if anyone is interested.
calicamper
Expedition Leader
Yep what he said
The sailboats I race we for sure are pushing load ranges it blows hard here. All the sailors here have been doing over 20 knots for decades thanks to big wind an big swells. Color degradation is not UV damage thats for sure. UV is still the enemy but its not a big deal especially for a winch line that spends 90% of its life wrapped up under a cover.
Lucky j
Explorer
Some of the comments seen here might be in the "my buddy told me", but some are ine the "I was their ans this is what I saw"!
Then it become what you saw and what I saw. So different experience I guess, but we can still be objective about the products and the good and the bads and take the best decision that suits our need, don't you think?
Then it become what you saw and what I saw. So different experience I guess, but we can still be objective about the products and the good and the bads and take the best decision that suits our need, don't you think?
jeverich
Luddite
Absolutely!