Mooring lines, running rigging and anchor ropes are very often spliced at their ends, but how does this make such a difference?
As important as the type of rope you use for your lines is the way they are finished. Knots can weaken a line by as much as 50% and are likely to come undone unless taped or whipped, so they’re best avoided for highly stressed applications. Using knots may also mean you need a larger diameter rope leading to more expense.
A properly spliced loop or hard eye creates a much stronger and less bulky termination. Braided lines will experience problems unless properly stitched and whipped to keep the covering tight to the inner core, thus spreading the tension evenly and avoiding unsightly lumps, bumps, or kinks.
A properly stitched and whipped rope end will also extend the working life of your lines, saving you money in the long run.
Ropes from left to right: LIROS 3 Strand polyester, LIROS Handy Elastic, LIROS Braided Dockline. Learn more about Mooring Warps and Mooring Lines
Smartly spliced and whipped braided lines are a delight to work with. They can increase efficiency, are easier to feed through deck gear and are generally more comfortable to handle.
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