Amsteel Blue for jacklines?
 

Polyester webbing is hard to find, and nylon stretches a lot, so lately I've wondered about the advisablity of using Amsteel Blue for jacklines. I used it for lifelines and I like it. I've read Brion's suggestion to locate jacklines high and outboard, though I envision running these along the side decks tight against the cabin to the anchor bit.
Pro--it doesn't stretch, it's plenty strong, resists chafe and UV damage.
Con--it's round & slippery, a possible problem if it's located where you walk, and could be mistaken for running rigging in the dark (though it doesn't feel anything like Sta-set).
Has anyone any experience with it in that application, or any thoughts you'd like to share?
Thanks.
John V.

I have used it for a while, and like it.

I never understood the problem with using round lines in favor of strapping. It isn't like every other line on a boat is immune to rolling if you happen to step on it. To single out just one line as needing to be flat seems like someone suggested it on a forum once, and it made it into the sailors lexicon.

The one concern I have is that because it is non-stretch it can impart much higher shock loads on cleats and attachment points, so I double checked the backing plates on them all, and increased the size for the ones that seemed too small.

I agree about the dogmatic quality that a lot of our common wisdom acquires. It's good to question it sometimes.
And you're right--there's all kinds of line to step on--you'd think it would be possible to travel from bow to stern rolling one line after another under your feet. But it hasn't become a sport yet. And Amsteel seems to squash pretty flat, anyway.
What size line did you use for your jacklines?
I was thinking of using one length, attached at either coaming and doubled around a large, round anchor bit near the bow. That's more length to absorb stretch.

I used 1/4, the same size I used for the lifelines. I ran them from just forward of my cockpit near the centerline up to the bow cleat, then across to the other cleat, then back to the same point on the other side.

If I were to do it again I would probably go up to 5/16, but I have some extra lying around.