Warning about sub-standard dinghy painter

[basssears]

I have been happy so far with New England ropes Dinghy tow rope: New England Ropes Dinghy Tow Rope | APS
... floating poly core with UV resistant nylon sheath.

[blueazimuth]

Having seen multiple failures with floating line, and not being a floating line expert, I don't use it. I use conventional 3 strand nylon for my painter, and always shorten up before backing down. Yes, I know nylon sinks and, in a quiet anchorage, can cause the dinghy to bump the mothership, which is annoying, but better than risk losing it.
S

[Jim Cate]

Here in Oz there is a very common product called "Silver line". It is three strand construction, inexpensive, floats, has fairly good UV properties, not as strong as either nylon or polyester, quite supple, very slippery... and I believe it is made from recycled grocery bag materials. IE, mostly polyethylene. The majority of boats in any Ozzie marina will be using this stuff for dock lines. I hate it, but do use it for dinghy painters. Replace it every couple of years, mostly because it gets moldy near the bow of the dink (the part that is often in the water) and Ann hates mold.

Jim

[buzzstar]

Just remember, virtually all products come from the lowest bidder, using components provided by the lowest bidder, with said components consisting of parts from the lowest bidder, which used materials from the lowest bidder. Providing specs to suppliers is one thing, but checking for compliance is another.