Seattle source for three strand, spun dacron?

[Art Read]

Been browsing the "usual suspects" while shopping for other needfull things as launching day gets closer, but I haven't seen any good, old fashioned, spun dacron for my running rigging on the shelves. West Marine, (believe it or not...) has something called "Classic" poly-dacron from American Rope, I believe(?), but it feels too "slippery" to me and falls to pieces when unravelled. The "Wooden Boat Foundation Shop" in Port Townsend has that "faux" hemp looking, work boat stuff, but I'm not sure that's the best choice for a "snobby" little one-design like the Dark Harbor. ;)

Any leads, folks? I'd prefer to patronise a local establishment if possible, but I'll order it if neccesary....

[ 08-26-2003, 12:20 PM: Message edited by: Art Read ]

[Art Read]

Been browsing the "usual suspects" while shopping for other needfull things as launching day gets closer, but I haven't seen any good, old fashioned, spun dacron for my running rigging on the shelves. West Marine, (believe it or not...) has something called "Classic" poly-dacron from American Rope, I believe(?), but it feels too "slippery" to me and falls to pieces when unravelled. The "Wooden Boat Foundation Shop" in Port Townsend has that "faux" hemp looking, work boat stuff, but I'm not sure that's the best choice for a "snobby" little one-design like the Dark Harbor. ;)

Any leads, folks? I'd prefer to patronise a local establishment if possible, but I'll order it if neccesary....

[ 08-26-2003, 12:20 PM: Message edited by: Art Read ]

[Art Read]

Been browsing the "usual suspects" while shopping for other needfull things as launching day gets closer, but I haven't seen any good, old fashioned, spun dacron for my running rigging on the shelves. West Marine, (believe it or not...) has something called "Classic" poly-dacron from American Rope, I believe(?), but it feels too "slippery" to me and falls to pieces when unravelled. The "Wooden Boat Foundation Shop" in Port Townsend has that "faux" hemp looking, work boat stuff, but I'm not sure that's the best choice for a "snobby" little one-design like the Dark Harbor. ;)

Any leads, folks? I'd prefer to patronise a local establishment if possible, but I'll order it if neccesary....

[ 08-26-2003, 12:20 PM: Message edited by: Art Read ]

[Bob Smalser]

Tacoma Screw carries synthetic manila at reasonable prices if you have an account. 300 bucks or so a spool as I recall.

Otherwise I use Fisheries Supply Co:

http://www.fisheriessupply.com/online/default.asp

[Bob Smalser]

Tacoma Screw carries synthetic manila at reasonable prices if you have an account. 300 bucks or so a spool as I recall.

Otherwise I use Fisheries Supply Co:

http://www.fisheriessupply.com/online/default.asp

[Bob Smalser]

Tacoma Screw carries synthetic manila at reasonable prices if you have an account. 300 bucks or so a spool as I recall.

Otherwise I use Fisheries Supply Co:

http://www.fisheriessupply.com/online/default.asp

[TimH]

Brian Toss would know I'll bet.

[TimH]

Brian Toss would know I'll bet.

[TimH]

Brian Toss would know I'll bet.

[Art Read]

Hmmm... I looked at Fisheries first. Not out in the open, anyway. Perhaps down in the warehouse? I'm a little embarrased to ask Brion. I got him to quote my standing rigging, properly spliced, parceled and served, and then went ahead a built my own with swagged ends after I tallied up his quote AND my sailmakers... The rigging can be done "right" later on, the sails I wanted right the first time and I could only afford one, or the other, right now... :(

[ 08-26-2003, 03:13 PM: Message edited by: Art Read ]

[Art Read]

Hmmm... I looked at Fisheries first. Not out in the open, anyway. Perhaps down in the warehouse? I'm a little embarrased to ask Brion. I got him to quote my standing rigging, properly spliced, parceled and served, and then went ahead a built my own with swagged ends after I tallied up his quote AND my sailmakers... The rigging can be done "right" later on, the sails I wanted right the first time and I could only afford one, or the other, right now... :(

[ 08-26-2003, 03:13 PM: Message edited by: Art Read ]

[Art Read]

Hmmm... I looked at Fisheries first. Not out in the open, anyway. Perhaps down in the warehouse? I'm a little embarrased to ask Brion. I got him to quote my standing rigging, properly spliced, parceled and served, and then went ahead a built my own with swagged ends after I tallied up his quote AND my sailmakers... The rigging can be done "right" later on, the sails I wanted right the first time and I could only afford one, or the other, right now... :(

[ 08-26-2003, 03:13 PM: Message edited by: Art Read ]

[TimH]

if I had his email address, I would ask him.

[TimH]

if I had his email address, I would ask him.

[TimH]

if I had his email address, I would ask him.

[Nicholas Carey]

He Art...Doc Freeman's usually has the 3-strand spun dacron you're thinking of. They carry New England Rope (http://www.neropes.com/pleasure_marine/default.htm)'s version, called "Spun Classic". Short staple, soft hand, feels and looks pretty like old-fashioned laid cotton yacht lines. Splices easy to.

Here's the tech sheet for it: http://www.neropes.com/pleasure_marine/default.htm

I can't guarantee they have it in stock, since I haven't been in their for a while, especially not since they filed for some flavor of bankruptcy/reorganisation, but they usually have it. They can certainly order it for you.

[Nicholas Carey]

He Art...Doc Freeman's usually has the 3-strand spun dacron you're thinking of. They carry New England Rope (http://www.neropes.com/pleasure_marine/default.htm)'s version, called "Spun Classic". Short staple, soft hand, feels and looks pretty like old-fashioned laid cotton yacht lines. Splices easy to.

Here's the tech sheet for it: http://www.neropes.com/pleasure_marine/default.htm

I can't guarantee they have it in stock, since I haven't been in their for a while, especially not since they filed for some flavor of bankruptcy/reorganisation, but they usually have it. They can certainly order it for you.

[Nicholas Carey]

He Art...Doc Freeman's usually has the 3-strand spun dacron you're thinking of. They carry New England Rope (http://www.neropes.com/pleasure_marine/default.htm)'s version, called "Spun Classic". Short staple, soft hand, feels and looks pretty like old-fashioned laid cotton yacht lines. Splices easy to.

Here's the tech sheet for it: http://www.neropes.com/pleasure_marine/default.htm

I can't guarantee they have it in stock, since I haven't been in their for a while, especially not since they filed for some flavor of bankruptcy/reorganisation, but they usually have it. They can certainly order it for you.

[Todd Bradshaw]

Spun Classic 3-strand Polyester (as sold by West Marine) is made by New England Ropes and would seem to be the most common soft-handed 3-strand sold in the U.S. It may be quite a hunt to find other options. The fact that it comes apart easily may be due to it's limpness and fuzzyness. The fibers don't seem to have any desire to stick to each other, so all that holds them together is twist memory and even that seems to be somewhat less than on less fuzzy versions like their filiment line. I suspect that the same may be common to any soft-handed 3-strand. It looks great in a neat coil on deck, but can in some instances drive you nuts when you're running it through a bunch of blocks.

[Todd Bradshaw]

Spun Classic 3-strand Polyester (as sold by West Marine) is made by New England Ropes and would seem to be the most common soft-handed 3-strand sold in the U.S. It may be quite a hunt to find other options. The fact that it comes apart easily may be due to it's limpness and fuzzyness. The fibers don't seem to have any desire to stick to each other, so all that holds them together is twist memory and even that seems to be somewhat less than on less fuzzy versions like their filiment line. I suspect that the same may be common to any soft-handed 3-strand. It looks great in a neat coil on deck, but can in some instances drive you nuts when you're running it through a bunch of blocks.

[Todd Bradshaw]

Spun Classic 3-strand Polyester (as sold by West Marine) is made by New England Ropes and would seem to be the most common soft-handed 3-strand sold in the U.S. It may be quite a hunt to find other options. The fact that it comes apart easily may be due to it's limpness and fuzzyness. The fibers don't seem to have any desire to stick to each other, so all that holds them together is twist memory and even that seems to be somewhat less than on less fuzzy versions like their filiment line. I suspect that the same may be common to any soft-handed 3-strand. It looks great in a neat coil on deck, but can in some instances drive you nuts when you're running it through a bunch of blocks.

[Nicholas Carey]

Originally posted by Todd Bradshaw:
Spun Classic 3-strand Polyester (as sold by West Marine) is made by New England Ropes and would seem to be the most common soft-handed 3-strand sold in the U.S.The spun dacron West Marine sells 'round here in Seattle is a [supposedly] continuous filament spun dacron that has a bit of a sheen to it. And it feels slippery to the touch, although it's not as slippery as, say, nylon rope, but it's certainly been thinking about it. What West sells here is considerably different than the NE Ropes 'Spun Classic'.

The NE Ropes stuff, once it's been out in the weather a bit, weathers to a soft grey and hardens up considerable.

But you are right, it can have a tendency to kink. But taking the time to coil down properly helps a lot.

Another rope that might be good for Art's Dark Harbor is a 12-strand single braid like NE Rope's Regatta Braid. Regatta braid is (don't know about other brands) white with a single red marker thread. It's got a soft hand and splices easy, too...and it isn't hideously shiny or slippery.

That sort of single braid, I believe, started showing up in the 20s or 30s, so it is [arguably] period.

It is a bit stretchy for halyards. Makes nice sheets though.

[Nicholas Carey]

Originally posted by Todd Bradshaw:
Spun Classic 3-strand Polyester (as sold by West Marine) is made by New England Ropes and would seem to be the most common soft-handed 3-strand sold in the U.S.The spun dacron West Marine sells 'round here in Seattle is a [supposedly] continuous filament spun dacron that has a bit of a sheen to it. And it feels slippery to the touch, although it's not as slippery as, say, nylon rope, but it's certainly been thinking about it. What West sells here is considerably different than the NE Ropes 'Spun Classic'.

The NE Ropes stuff, once it's been out in the weather a bit, weathers to a soft grey and hardens up considerable.

But you are right, it can have a tendency to kink. But taking the time to coil down properly helps a lot.

Another rope that might be good for Art's Dark Harbor is a 12-strand single braid like NE Rope's Regatta Braid. Regatta braid is (don't know about other brands) white with a single red marker thread. It's got a soft hand and splices easy, too...and it isn't hideously shiny or slippery.

That sort of single braid, I believe, started showing up in the 20s or 30s, so it is [arguably] period.

It is a bit stretchy for halyards. Makes nice sheets though.

[Nicholas Carey]

Originally posted by Todd Bradshaw:
Spun Classic 3-strand Polyester (as sold by West Marine) is made by New England Ropes and would seem to be the most common soft-handed 3-strand sold in the U.S.The spun dacron West Marine sells 'round here in Seattle is a [supposedly] continuous filament spun dacron that has a bit of a sheen to it. And it feels slippery to the touch, although it's not as slippery as, say, nylon rope, but it's certainly been thinking about it. What West sells here is considerably different than the NE Ropes 'Spun Classic'.

The NE Ropes stuff, once it's been out in the weather a bit, weathers to a soft grey and hardens up considerable.

But you are right, it can have a tendency to kink. But taking the time to coil down properly helps a lot.

Another rope that might be good for Art's Dark Harbor is a 12-strand single braid like NE Rope's Regatta Braid. Regatta braid is (don't know about other brands) white with a single red marker thread. It's got a soft hand and splices easy, too...and it isn't hideously shiny or slippery.

That sort of single braid, I believe, started showing up in the 20s or 30s, so it is [arguably] period.

It is a bit stretchy for halyards. Makes nice sheets though.

[Todd Bradshaw]

"Continuous-filament Spun Dacron" would be sort of impossible in three strand. It's one or the other, but not both unless each strand is kernmantle construction with a continuous filament core and a spun cover - which doesn't exist.

I don't know about your local West store and what they stock, but their catalog lists two seperate N.E.R. 3-strand braids. The first is listed as "Classic Three-Strand Filament Polyester Line" (catalog numbers 121913, 121905, 121947, 121939, 121962, 121897, and 121954 depending on diameter). This is the less fuzzy, slightly more stretch resistant one and isn't great for hand-held lines but it's good stuff and holds it's shape pretty well. I stain it brown and use it for sail roping and just finished off a 1,200' spool of it so I'll vouch for it's durability and workability.

The other one is the softer, fuzzier "Spun Classic" (catalog numbers 138388, 122523, 122549, 122531 and 122556). It's better for hand-held control lines, but is not as firm and doesn't hold together as well as the filament stuff (doesn't stain well either).

You might have your store check the numbers and find out exactly which one they're stocking. In any case you're right, Regatta Braid would be a better line for things like main and jib sheets as 3-strand has a bad habit of knotting up on you at the most inopportune times.

[ 08-27-2003, 03:06 AM: Message edited by: Todd Bradshaw ]

[Todd Bradshaw]

"Continuous-filament Spun Dacron" would be sort of impossible in three strand. It's one or the other, but not both unless each strand is kernmantle construction with a continuous filament core and a spun cover - which doesn't exist.

I don't know about your local West store and what they stock, but their catalog lists two seperate N.E.R. 3-strand braids. The first is listed as "Classic Three-Strand Filament Polyester Line" (catalog numbers 121913, 121905, 121947, 121939, 121962, 121897, and 121954 depending on diameter). This is the less fuzzy, slightly more stretch resistant one and isn't great for hand-held lines but it's good stuff and holds it's shape pretty well. I stain it brown and use it for sail roping and just finished off a 1,200' spool of it so I'll vouch for it's durability and workability.

The other one is the softer, fuzzier "Spun Classic" (catalog numbers 138388, 122523, 122549, 122531 and 122556). It's better for hand-held control lines, but is not as firm and doesn't hold together as well as the filament stuff (doesn't stain well either).

You might have your store check the numbers and find out exactly which one they're stocking. In any case you're right, Regatta Braid would be a better line for things like main and jib sheets as 3-strand has a bad habit of knotting up on you at the most inopportune times.

[ 08-27-2003, 03:06 AM: Message edited by: Todd Bradshaw ]

[Todd Bradshaw]

"Continuous-filament Spun Dacron" would be sort of impossible in three strand. It's one or the other, but not both unless each strand is kernmantle construction with a continuous filament core and a spun cover - which doesn't exist.

I don't know about your local West store and what they stock, but their catalog lists two seperate N.E.R. 3-strand braids. The first is listed as "Classic Three-Strand Filament Polyester Line" (catalog numbers 121913, 121905, 121947, 121939, 121962, 121897, and 121954 depending on diameter). This is the less fuzzy, slightly more stretch resistant one and isn't great for hand-held lines but it's good stuff and holds it's shape pretty well. I stain it brown and use it for sail roping and just finished off a 1,200' spool of it so I'll vouch for it's durability and workability.

The other one is the softer, fuzzier "Spun Classic" (catalog numbers 138388, 122523, 122549, 122531 and 122556). It's better for hand-held control lines, but is not as firm and doesn't hold together as well as the filament stuff (doesn't stain well either).

You might have your store check the numbers and find out exactly which one they're stocking. In any case you're right, Regatta Braid would be a better line for things like main and jib sheets as 3-strand has a bad habit of knotting up on you at the most inopportune times.

[ 08-27-2003, 03:06 AM: Message edited by: Todd Bradshaw ]

[Figment]

Art,

The stuff from the wooden boat foundation store, is it the English Braids stuff? If so, I reccommend it. It looks a little fuzzy when new, but it smooths out to a more yachty appearance with use.

[Figment]

Art,

The stuff from the wooden boat foundation store, is it the English Braids stuff? If so, I reccommend it. It looks a little fuzzy when new, but it smooths out to a more yachty appearance with use.

[Figment]

Art,

The stuff from the wooden boat foundation store, is it the English Braids stuff? If so, I reccommend it. It looks a little fuzzy when new, but it smooths out to a more yachty appearance with use.