Restoring Stiff Dock Lines

[Windseeker]

A friend told me to soak my lines in Fabrick Softner. That seems works ok. It doesn't seem long until they are stiff again. A couple of years ago, I tried clorox 2 to brighten them up. It seemed like forever before I could get all the detergent out. I know they don't last forever, but what should be my expectaition? What is a best practice for Dock Line maintenance and replacement?

[bstreep]

A repetitive soak in fresh water, followed by a soak in fabric softener.

Dock lines last 2-3 years in the South, before replacing. If your boat isn't in the water year round, you may get more.

[boasun]

Dawn dishsoap a tbs or two in a bucket of warm water

[Dragon Lady]

Front loader washing machine on gentle.

[Blue Stocking]

Like all synthetics, there is some surface resin content which reduces friction, and make the line pliable. When this UVs into oblivion, line gets stiffer. Fabric softener, gentle cycle for mine.

[boatman61]

Best way to extend the life of docklines is simple...
Anchor out more often...

[Blue Stocking]

Originally Posted by boatman61

Best way to extend the life of docklines is simple...
Anchor out more often...

Problem solved !!!

[thinwater]

Practical Sailor is doing a bit on this, due out soon. Tip: many lines didn't survive the washing machine. IF they did, it was because they were in a pillow case... but that didn't always work either.

Also a bit on bleach.

Also, they are doing a bit on line treatments. Fabric softner, since it washes out in the rain, turns out to be quite ineffective compared to other alternatives.

In the Chesapeake, in a typical well-protected marina, with proper chafe protection you should be able to get 10+ years. If it is less, the lines are poorly protected or miss-sized. I've gotten 15 years.

[savoir]

The #1 thing to add to the ropes is HOT water and the #2 is some kind of soap. The heat and soap together will loosen up the salt/dirt combo that is clogging the ropes. If a washing machine seems a little daunting then use the bathtub instead. However you do it, be sure to rinse at least twice with fresh water.

[GordMay]

Never use Clorox Bleach (Sodium Hypochlorite) on Nylon.

[thinwater]

Originally Posted by GordMay

Never use Clorox Bleach (Sodium Hypochlorite) on Nylon.

Yup, that is what it comes to. Sort of like quickly reducing your line one size. PS did some tests at varying doses and times, and then broke the ropes.

Also acid; I've heard that suggested, to get the lime out. For nylon specifically, acid is worse than bleach. NEVER. Battery acid can actually melt a rope in two within minutes, but weak acids are not safe either.

[Pblais]

I use 5/8 in. dock lines and wash them in the washer with regular detergent once per year. I don't put them in the dryer. I daisy chain the3m to minimize tangle. You don't need fabric softener. It gets the salt out just fine. It's not like you need to get stains out. As Gord notes you don't even need to think about bleach. Oversized dock lines last a very long time. Be sure to whip the ends as they don't come that way. You might need to re whip them too. 1 in. Dacron lines will last a very very long time. 3 strand nylon won't last very long and in the end cost more.

[boatman61]

Welcome back PBlaise.... been a while since we've seen you... hope it was a good reason not a bad one....
You to Hud... hope alls well..


Wot he just said....

[thinwater]

Originally Posted by Pblais

I use 5/8 in. dock lines and wash them in the washer with regular detergent once per year. I don't put them in the dryer. I daisy chain the3m to minimize tangle. You don't need fabric softener. It gets the salt out just fine. It's not like you need to get stains out. As Gord notes you don't even need to think about bleach. Oversized dock lines last a very long time. Be sure to whip the ends as they don't come that way. You might need to re whip them too. 1 in. Dacron lines will last a very very long time. 3 strand nylon won't last very long and in the end cost more.

ALWAYS whip the splices (generally they are, but look). They are notorious for coming loose in machines. Something about the steady milking back and forth.