Module 2 - Ropework
Rope Construction and Whipping
Ropes are either laid (three strands twisted together, usually right-hand lay) or braided (a woven outer sheath over an inner core). Three-strand laid rope is cheaper and easier to splice but can kink if coiled incorrectly — always coil clockwise with the lay. Braided rope is more flexible, doesn't kink, and runs smoothly through blocks and clutches.
Whipping binds the end of a rope with waxed twine to stop the strands from unlaying and the rope from fraying. Common whipping is the simplest type, while sailmaker's whipping with a needle is the most secure and long-lasting. Heat-sealing a synthetic rope end by melting it also prevents fraying but is less seamanlike than a proper whipping and can create sharp edges.
- Three-strand laid rope — coil clockwise; cheaper, easy to splice
- Braided rope — flexible, no kinking, smooth through blocks
- Common whipping — simple binding to prevent fraying
- Sailmaker's whipping — most secure, uses a needle
- Heat-sealing — quick but can create sharp edges
Watch for this: Braided rope should be coiled in figure-of-eight loops (not circular) to avoid introducing twists that cause kinks.
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