Why Use Flat Webbing as Jacklines Instead of Rope ?

[Snore]

I am trying to understand the logic/advantage of using the webbing that is marketed as jack line versus 3/8 rope. Using rope would be fraction of the cost and would seem to do the same job.

Thanks for the education

Bill

[Celestialsailor]

Rope (Line) will roll under your foot. This can cause sprained ankle, broken foot or even a permanent swim. The one thing I hate about web is when it's wet, it loosens up.

[Geoduck]

Dont tie you jack line on deck - tie it to your mast & down the center line of the boat - that way you dont have to step on it AND, you wont fall overboard if you keep your tether short!
Rope works just fine - if you keep it out from under your feet!

[rebel heart]

Depends on the boat a lot. In our boat we have maybe 3' of side decks with tall gunwales, so managing to not step on a line is pretty simple. If you have narrower side decks it's a larger issue.

I don't think anyone would say webbing isn't better than line, but it can be "less better" depending on your needs and if cost is an issue you're certainly better off with line than webbing.

[cburger]

Originally Posted by Celestialsailor

Rope (Line) will roll under your foot. This can cause sprained ankle, broken foot or even a permanent swim. The one thing I hate about web is when it's wet, it loosens up.

More than that stepping on rope on a pitching deck can cause a fall, potentially over the rail.

[rebel heart]

Originally Posted by Geoduck

Dont tie you jack line on deck - tie it to your mast & down the center line of the boat - that way you dont have to step on it AND, you wont fall overboard if you keep your tether short!
Rope works just fine - if you keep it out from under your feet!

That can really depend on the layout of the vessel. If the cockpit is far enough back from a dodger (separating you from the jackline) you'd need far too much slack to the point that when you were standing at the spreader your tether would be coiled at your feet.

[Geoduck]

Originally Posted by rebel heart

That can really depend on the layout of the vessel. If the cockpit is far enough back from a dodger (separating you from the jackline) you'd need far too much slack to the point that when you were standing at the spreader your tether would be coiled at your feet.

Have you ever heard of pad eyes? I use 2 tethers - one is hooked up always
Everything is a compromise and obviously no 2 boats are alike

[Celestialsailor]

I can tell you one thing...When it's pitch black out in 35 kt. winds and +15' seas and you have to go forward to secure the boom which just tore out of the mast...you don't want line rolling under your foot. Please don't ask me how I know!...

[Cheechako]

Originally Posted by Celestialsailor

I can tell you one thing...When it's pitch black out in 35 kt. winds and +15' seas and you have to go forward to secure the boom which just tore out of the mast...you don't want line rolling under your foot. Please don't ask me how I know!...

Yep. The better question might be "why NOT use webbing"

[Geoduck]

How do you know?

[thinwater]

Originally Posted by Snore

I am trying to understand the logic/advantage of using the webbing that is marketed as jack line versus 3/8 rope. Using rope would be fraction of the cost and would seem to do the same job.

Thanks for the education

Bill

BlueWater 1'' Climb-Spec Tubular Webbing at REI.com
$0.36/foot.

Additionally, larger boats need lower stretch and more strength, while small boats need more stretch and less strength.
http://sail-delmarva.blogspot.com/20...jack-line.html

[Geoduck]

Aw - come on! I want to hear about the boom being torn off the mast!

[bobconnie]

I tryed line ONCE, when I was a little short of bucks, and needed to replace the jack lines we had. I learned my lesson! Im clumsy enough with out rope being anywhere near my wet feet !! LOL lets just say I would carry less food then use rope for jack lines again !! Just my 2 cents ! Bob and Connie

[thinwater]

Originally Posted by Geoduck

Have you ever heard of pad eyes? I use 2 tethers - one is hooked up always

Never heard of shock absorption? Take a running go against a pad eye anchor and let us know how the ribs are. Actually, please don't; you could be very seriously injured.

That also sounds very slow. Clip, un-clip, clip, un-clip. A cluster on a pitching deck and impossible with the hands full. Quite impractical, I think.

[outrigger]

Id like to hear about the boom as well. With lots of detail.