Stiff Dock Lines

[Solittle]

A couple of years ago I bought a 100' of 1/2" nylon line so that I could make four dock lines. The line was soft and supple. Since then the lines have become very stiff. Is there any way to soften them? I have other lines that this has happened but also a couple of lines that have stayed soft and flexible. Anyone know what causes this?

 

[bubbakat]

Re: Stiff Dock Lines

Solittle I reckon sun and water does that to them. Mine to, gets stiff and i,ll wet them to limber them up but they just get stiff when they dry out.

 

[snapperbait]

Re: Stiff Dock Lines

I'd bet some kind of fabric softner might help... Certainly could'nt hurt... Run em' in the washing machine, or maybe just soak em' in a bucket... <br /><br />Few weeks ago I had a little mishap with some oily bilge crud along with a hefty dose of mildew involving my nice new anchor line.. <br /><br />Put all 200' of it in the washing machine and it looks better... Was a pain getting the knots and twists out...

 

[steelespike]

Re: Stiff Dock Lines

Being a washer tech.I wouldnt reccomend putting large amounts of rope in a top loader washer.<br />Maybe in a front loader.But in both I would think you would at least have balance problems.Some<br />washers overload easily and can be costly to<br />repair.And then there is the tangle problem.It <br />could get under the agitater and on some it could get over the top between the drum and tub.<br /> You wouldnt believe what Ive found in a washer and the results.

 

[jeff_nicholas]

Re: Stiff Dock Lines

If you're going to do the fabric softener thing you might consider a net bag from Wal Mart that is designed for washing delicate things in the washing machine.<br /><br />Nick in Spartanburg, SC<br /> http://www.geocities.com/jeff_nicholas/BBR.html

 

[Scooch_2]

Re: Stiff Dock Lines

I use a bucked with some water and fabric softener for my cast net after the salt water makes it too stiff. If you can find a bucket large enough, just soak the ropes overnight and they should be soft as new again. Just be careful they will be a bit slippery for a while.

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: Stiff Dock Lines

Boating mag had an article on this topic.Fabric softner in a bucket of water and soak overnight---thats it!!!!! Charlie

 

[diamonddave]

Re: Stiff Dock Lines

Fabric softener isthe answer. Just finished doing my dock lines as well as anchor rode, soaked them in the laundry tub for a couple of hours after washing them in the same tub, then hung them over the shower rod from the shower rod for a day then over stair railing, can you tell I'm real popular with the rest of my family? What ever, the lines look great, getting ready for the new season, got a launch date April 27.<br />Regards and God Bless<br />David