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Step 1
Check the lines visually. Look over your lines closely to detect any areas of fraying and dry rot. If there are parts of the line that are either frayed or thin due to dry rot, replace the line with a new one.
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Step 2
Examine the lines manually. As you are looking over the lines, run your hands over both sides of them to feel areas of fraying or dry rot that are not easily visible.
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Step 3
Look at the areas where the ropes are spliced together. Make sure that these areas aren't coming apart.
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Step 4
Inspect the cleats on the boat and on the dock for sharp areas that will cut or damage your lines. Examine the cleat visually and feel it with your hands to check for sharp areas.
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Step 5
Scrutinize the ropes and lines around the cleats on the dock and on the boat. Remove the lines from the cleats on the dock, then visually and manually inspect them for weak spots. Lines wrapped around cleats are subject to dry rot because they stay in one position for so long.
