Getting a new bridle

[49waves]

The bridle for my newly-purchased catamaran is in bad shape. Rusted. Chafed. Smells weird. Turning colors. Frayed.

Any ideas on where to get a new one? I've googled around but can't seem to find anything.

Any advice?

[Sailmonkey]

The anchor bridle?


Just make one

[tamicatana]

I've always built my own.

[49waves]

Ah, I was worried that'd be the answer.

My concern, I don't have much rope work experience (read: zero). Splicing, weaving. Braiding. How long does all that take? Thing is I'm looking at a somewhat tight deadline to get this set up.

Any other options or is that pretty much what I'm looking at doing?

Thanks again,
Conor

[Sailmonkey]

Can you tie a bowline? all you need is two length of three strand tied to a shackle in the middle and the bow on both ends......neat is spliced, functional is tied.

[Nicholson58]

Originally Posted by 49waves

Ah, I was worried that'd be the answer.

My concern, I don't have much rope work experience (read: zero). Splicing, weaving. Braiding. How long does all that take? Thing is I'm looking at a somewhat tight deadline to get this set up.

Any other options or is that pretty much what I'm looking at doing?

Thanks again,
Conor

Can you tie a bowline? You can probably buy the stuff and hire your marina's rigger or buy made-up lines and use shackles. Here are some commercial solutions I found on line. I thought these were a bit pricey and for us, not big enough. It would be easy to follow this plan and join a few shackles together or if you can make up the plate and drill holes. It doesn't have to be SS. Galvanized will do.

Colligo Marine-Rigging and Mooring products

[49waves]

Thanks, very helpful.

Bowlines, I can do.

But I'm curious, do bowlines give up any strength? That is, any concern of anchoring bridle failing in heavy winds if using bowlines?

[Cotemar]

Just make an Easy Bridle.

1) Just need one long length of line
2) Fold in half
3) Tie the folded end into a figure 8 loop
4) Tie both loose ends using a bowline to each bow shackel
5) Use a 5/16 Wichard Key Shackle to hook onto your chain

Have been using one made like this for years

[tamicatana]

Really it doesn't take long to splice. Esp 3-strand. And splicing is a valuable skill to have.

Knots do reduce strength but if you size the line accordingly it doesn't matter.

New England Ropes - Splicing Guide

Samson: The Strongest Name in Rope, Utility Products

Splicing Instructions | Yale Cordage

[44'cruisingcat]

Splicing 3 strand to make yor bridle will likely take less time than it took to get these answers on here. Certainly faster than finding someone else to do it. It's easy, try it!

[44'cruisingcat]

Originally Posted by 49waves

Thanks, very helpful.

Bowlines, I can do.

But I'm curious, do bowlines give up any strength? That is, any concern of anchoring bridle failing in heavy winds if using bowlines?

Depends on the rope. Heavy enogh rope won't break. I have 18mm nylon 3 strand. SWL is far greater than the weight of the boat.

* the letter "yoo" on the @$#^@*& keyboard is on the blink!

[Palarran]

Tamif27 - Wow, thanks for the links. Those are great videos.

[jackdale]

Make sure you use nylon as it stretches and absorbs shocks. Braided nylon is also easier to splice than Dacron or a high modulus line.

[jnrdafoe]

My wife does all the 3 strand braiding for our mooring penants. Last set was 3/4" using a 3 strand fid from WM. She does an awesome job getting the splices for the cleats big enough to loop twice. The commercial ones are just a little too tight.
She just uses the instruction from one or two of our knot tying books. Also good entertainment.

I do double braid splices with an online vid that was on the Lats & Atts website. Haven't looked this year since it's been sold and lost. Check YouTube for that.

Good luck and as others have said "it's time well spent". Anything you do yourself is yours!

[estarzinger]

Originally Posted by 49waves

But I'm curious, do bowlines give up any strength?

a bowline very roughly loses half the strength of the line (some tests say 35% and other tests say 60% - depends on the rope material, construction, & size and how well the knot was tied and how fast the load is applied)

article on knot strength