[TowerTalk] Guying a vertical...???

[Patrick Greenlee]

Nylon is used on boats because it stretches like a rubber band and when 
used for an anchor line does not transmit much shock to the deck 
hardware.  For hoisting sails (halyards) and for sheets (lines used to 
control sails) Dacron is used for its minimal stretch (desirable 
characteristic.) Steel cables (wire ropes) are sometimes spliced to rope 
"tails" for better manual handling characteristics and the rope of 
choice is Dacron.

Nylon is useful for towing a boat because of it stretchiness not putting 
shock loads on deck hardware.  Great heat is generated by inter-fiber 
friction when the nylon is stretched and when wet the nylon shows its 
heat by copious quantities of steam.  Failure to let the tow rope 
contact the water for cooling purposes can result in melting the nylon 
rope leading to catastrophic failure.

I have considerable experience as a rag sailor and 10 years in maritime 
search and rescue. I advise folks wanting rope for guys to avoid nylon 
if it will be loaded such that it stretches and recovers as in variable 
wind.  Dacron is a far better choice.

Patrick        NJ5G

On 8/31/2015 12:08 PM, Bryan Swadener via TowerTalk wrote:
> In other words, "double-braided Nylon" rope.The Nylon material does well with UV.The double-braided construction is bestto limit stretch. It is used a lot on sailboats.You'll find it in a marine supply store.McMaster-Carr sells it as well.
> I've used it for decades to support wire andvertical antennas.
> vy 73 es gl,Bryan WA7PRC
>
>
>   
>      > In a message dated 8/30/2015 8:11:33 A.M. Central Daylight Time,
>> co8dm at frcuba.co.cu writes:
>>
>>      I am trying to get the "550 Paracord"...it is not available here
>>      but will
>>      see what i can do to get it...
>>
>>      I read/hear many people used in verticals and it is strong and UV
>>      resistant
>>      and very cheap compare with Dacron and Kevlar.
>>
>>      I have looking on ground, water and air here and it is not
>>      available...unbelievable but it is the true !!!
>>
>>      73....Douglas, CO8DM
>     
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