Nylon vs Stainless Thimbles

[Brion Toss]

Hi Ian,
I watched one boat go ashore because of thimble chafe, and some years later helped arrest the progress of a second (think two guys in an old Peapod, 40 knots, square waves, oncoming lightning), so I know it's possible for the thimble to kill the rope. But I'm sure that neither eye was spliced with the care and skill that you describe for your rodes. Perhaps I should amend my story to say that non-keeper thimbles (heavy-duty preferred) are only for consummate professionals.
Fair leads,
Brion Toss