The use of rope is synonymous with life on the waterfront. Sailors, longshoreman, and fishermen all depend on rope to make a living. Nautical terminology can be confusing and somewhat interchangeable when speaking of rope, line or cordage. Typically rope comes from the manufacturer on a spool and becomes line as it is used in specific onboard applications. Others will refer to rope as anything over 1 1/8 inch in diameter and use the term cordage for the “small stuff.”
Constructions of Rope and Cordage
Ropes are constructed of fibers that can be natural or synthetic in origin. Natural, vegetable fibers are relatively short and must be twisted into yarns to fabricate a rope. In contrast, a single synthetic fiber could run the full length of a rope.
The way individual fibers are arranged describes the construction of a rope and has a direct influence on its intended use and strength. The fibers used to make a rope can be twisted, braided, or plaited together to make a rope.
- Laid or Twisted – Typical laid ropes are composed of three strands of fibers and can be constructed from most available materials. Laid ropes can come in left and right handed twists that effect how the rope coils and handles. A three stranded rope is called a hawser and three hawsers twisted together form a cable.
- Braided – These ropes can take on a number of forms depending on the number of strands used. Examples include solid, hollow, double and diamond braids using from nine to thirty-two strands. Double braided rope is made of two braided ropes combined into one and these ropes are very popular with boaters for their strength and ease of handing.
- Plaited – These ropes are composed of eight or sixteen ropes woven into pairs. Plaited ropes are mostly found as tow lines used to maneuver substantial vessels.
- Sheath and Core – Many people know these as kernmantel ropes. Typically sheath and core ropes are used by climbers and can be made for static and dynamic applications. The sheath of a kernmantel rope is a woven hollow braid. The inner core of the rope can be formed of braids, strings or a braid on braid rope. The sheath protects the core that can slide independently inside of this covering.
Laid and double braided rope can be easily spliced. A double braided rope is typically stronger than a laid rope of the same diameter. Knowing how rope is constructed goes hand in hand with its safe use and care by boaters. Take time to observe the different ropes used on the water during the next trip to the marina.
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