Chafe Guard

[JusDreaming]

I need to make some new dock lines and curious what everyone uses for chafe guards. I have been told the cheapest and best is neoprene hose just slipped over the line and tie wrapped in place. Does this work as well or better than the leather ones

[GordMay]

Fire hose, if you can get it (salvaged).
Clear PVC hose, if not.
Either way, use large enough diameter so it’s not snug, and secure the sleeve with small stuff (flag halyard). Too long is better than too short.

[imagine2frolic]

I am using firehose. I have not run the line through the middle of the hose. I have run it between the rubber, and the canvas sleeve. This way more water will get to the line to keep it cool, and lubricated. This also leaves 3 layers under the line to wear through on the dock instead of 2........i2f

[Cheechako]

The problem with the pvc is it turns sticky in the sun.... leather is great ( a good sail loft may have remnants of that nice grey leather reasonable)

[hanschristian38]

It is best to use something that will let moisture through as the setness will reduce the permperature. Heat from the friction is what causes the damage.

A good thing to use is double braid with the core removed. Find some old double braid of the proper diameter and remove the core and heat the ends. Slip it on the loop before splicing and you'll have good chafe protection.

I also agree that leather is good too. PVC - not so good as the line inside will stay dry and heat up.

[goincruisin]

Yes, I agree with the absolute need for chafe protection.

We have used heavy duty pvc hose for years (see attached pictures) The key thing is to tie/lash the hose to your dockline or rode so that if/when the rope stretches it pulls the chafe protection through the chock or over the bow roller with it. If there is abraision, then this will 'hurt' the protection and not the rope. Whatever happens, you do not want the rope to slide back and forth inside whatever you use for protection as this will cause chafe, or even heat damage.

It is also important that your chafe protection is long enough to shield the rope against all points of contact.

Hope this helps

Happy Hooking!