January 18, 2022 2 min read
If you are looking to upgrade your yacht halyards and sheets this year then you are probably wondering if it is worth upgrading and using dyneema for the ropes.
The large majority of yachts or cruisers use a double braid rope, sometimes also known as braid on braid. Upgrading your ropes to dyneema has a number of advantages which we'll explain below.
First lets look at the options and compare them.....
As we said above you might hear people also call this braid on braid, essentially the rope is two bits of rope braided together which is where it gets its names from.
The double braid rope we sell is heat set and is an ideal rope for cruising, the rope is good on hands and is also easy to splice. The two braids are a low stretch polyester core with an abrasion resistant braided polyester cover.
Dyneema cruise is made with a polyester braided cover and has a braided dyneema core within the rope. Also included is an intermediate cover which prevents slipping between the cover and core.
Dyneema cruise has been designed as an upgrade to polyester ropes because it is lighter and provides higher strength and less stretch.
In the below table we are showing the key rope data and statistics for double braid and dyneema cruise in diameters from 6mm through to 14mm.
Rope | Diameter | Min Break Strength (kgs) | Stretch at 20% of Min Break Load |
---|---|---|---|
Double Braid | 6mm | 820 | 3.7% |
Double Braid | 8mm | 1300 | 3.7% |
Double Braid | 10mm | 2400 | 3.7% |
Double Braid | 12mm | 3200 | 3.7% |
Double Braid | 14mm | 4500 | 3.7% |
Dyneema Cruise | 6mm | 1100 | 2.8% |
Dyneema Cruise | 8mm | 2100 | 2.8% |
Dyneema Cruise | 10mm | 3400 | 2.8% |
Dyneema Cruise | 12mm | 5200 | 2.8% |
Dyneema Cruise | 14mm | 6700 | 2.8% |
As you can see from the data dyneema cruise offers over 29% extra in terms of the minimum breaking load of the rope with less stretch. This means you can look at reducing the diameter of your rope which will reduce friction at every turn in your systems.
It is a higher performing rope and also tends to last longer as it has a harder wearing outer cover. The rope is also lighter than double braid which can take essential weight out of your boat, especially if you are looking for that extra knot of speed while racing.
In summary, dyneema cruise rope offers the following benefits over double braid:
View all of our double braid ropes or cruiser halyards through our website.
Did you know we also provide a rope splicing service? Whether you would like a soft or hard eye put in the end of your rope, or a shackle added at the end get in touch for a quote.
If you have any rope related questions get in touch with our friendly team today who are always happy to help.
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These are surprisingly difficult to find in chandleries which is surprising as they’re very useful for attaching boat hooks/deck brushes to the handrail. Low tech but good quality.
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Very quick and user friendly service. Would recommend and will use again.
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Really strong, does what it needs to!
Great product, does the job for a good price
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Best spring/summer hiking wetsuit.
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I have previously used the Superwarm version of this hiker and it was brilliant!
I purchased these as I get far too hot in my winter hikers during the sweaty summer months!
Only used once so far, but were warm enough in 15 degrees C and worked exactly as expected!
Good size handle, comfortable grip. I find I have to go down a size in needle than that advised for the rope I’m splicing.
Fantastic service and reasonable prices