Chafe rather than load cycling is more likely to doom halyards. These aren’t subjected to the same shock loads that weaken snubbers, anchor rode and docklines. Swapping them end-for-end when chafe is evident is an easy way to prolong their life.
We like nylon for docklines, anchor rode, and chain snubbers because it stretches, absorbing jolts that would otherwise be transferred to the boat and ground tackle. But all of that stretching and contracting takes a toll. Fiber wears on fiber. The polymer itself fatigues. Unlike a steel part, which can last basically forever if never […]
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