Nautical Rope Types
It seems as though ships carry more ropes than any other tool of the sea and the terms used to describe ropes and their uses are many. In nautical terms, a rope is not a rope but a line and a knot is not a knot but a nautical mile whereas a hitch is a means to secure a rope to an immovable object and a bend attaches two ropes together. A rope has two ends, the movable, working end and the bitter end that stays in place.
-
Types
-
Natural fiber line is made from organic plant fibers such as hemp. This type of line is still in use but not preferred due to rapid deterioration, mold and mildew caused by moisture. Modern ships most often use synthetic line, made from man-made materials such as nylon. Although snagging is a problem with synthetic line, it is a more durable and longer lasting material for moisture laden seafaring vessels.
Rope Construction
-
Laid and braided are the two basic rope constructions. Laid line typically consists of three stands that are either S-laid (left) or Z-laid (right). Each of the three stands consists of numerous strands of twisted fibers called yarns. The number of yarns determines the thickness of the rope. Braided rope does not stretch as much as laid rope and is difficult to splice. It is rounded in shape and braiding makes the rope quite strong. Braided rope is either hollow or contains a smaller braided core that makes the rope even stronger but less flexible.
-
Hitches
-
Hitches prevent things from moving or coming loose on a ship. Seven hitches; square knot, sheet bend, rolling hitch, lark's head, cleat hitch, clove hitch and round turn with two half-hitches, secure objects to a ship or a ship to an object, such as a dock. A sailor needs to practice tying hitches until he can do them in complete darkness or while sleeping, so to speak. When at sea, dangerous situations often arise without notice and the captain and crew of the ship must be prepared to batten down the hatches.
Bends
-
Rope bends are what many people think of as knots when tying rope. Boy Scouts earn badges for learning to tie various rope bends they refer to as knots. Bends like an adjustable grip, alpine butterfly, Ashley, bowline, Carrick and double dragon attach two rope ends together to create a longer rope. Bends are often named after the inventor as with the Ashley bend, invented by author Clifford Ashley.
-
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
