Hi, Claus.
Neat bit of splicing there. Is it an 8-strand backsplice (wow!) or a tube splice – ie tucked back through the weave a few times so it is gripped hard when put under tension?
I dont trust my skill in back splicing enough to make hard eyes around a thimble. Mine always stretch and let the thimble drop out, even with pre-stretched polyester. Much prefer to use a scaffold knot. It jambs up really tight on the thimble, being a slip knot, and has never failed to stay in place. You cant untie it, though, after its had a bit of tension on it. Have to cut it away.
Have never used HMPEs like Dyneema (ideal for standing rigging) so couldnt vouch for the knots ability to stay put – or how much the splice would slacken when tensioned. Practically no stretch in the actual rope but there must be a little slack to take up as the splice beds down?
Whats your experience with Dyneema stays?
Anyone out there having trouble working out what rope to use where?
My simple rule of thumb is:-
Have nothing to do with natural fibre ropes. They cost a bomb, believe it or not, look great for 10 minutes, cut your hands to ribbons then start to rot, smell, and fall apart.
(If you disagree - good luck to you. See you on the next lee shore.)
Instead, use the following:
Mooring and anchor
- Nice stretchy NYLON (a polyamide) Sinks, so good for anchor warps but not so good with mooring lines.
Haliyards
- Un-stretchy PRE-STRETCHED POLYESTER (expensive)
Sheets, reefing lines, etc
- Ordinary POLYESTER (cheaper)
Floating lines. e.g. Long shore lines, tow or rescue lines.
- POLYPROPYLENE (dirt cheap – good ol' B&Q!
Ultimate in Posh Boat standing rigging.
- Zylon (PBO or P-PHENYLENE-3,6-BENZO-BISOXAZOLE)
I know the latter sounds like something you might take for high blood pressure but it is a whole 20% stronger than Dyneema, Vectran or Spectra and so is much, much stronger than steel rope weight for weight.
Cost per metre? If you need to ask ... you cant afford it! It will never be seen on any boat of mine!
More info on normal ropes:
http://www.classicmarine.co.uk/Articles/Reference%20rope.htm