Synthetic Standing rigging

[Jack]

I am currently replacing my backstay and runners on my 34' Searunner Trimaran here in San Carlos Mexico. I am very familiar with Synthetics as we have made the switch over from wire rope in many applications in my work as an offshore trawler in the Bearing Sea.
I have been in contact with Precourt for deadeyes and my friends at Hampidjan in Seattle will be supplying the Dynex Dux. The Icelanders have been at the front edge of new and amazing advances in rope technology. Looks like Precourt is doing a fine job of bringing back the good old stuff in today's modern lighter way.
As a little story, on the fishing boat we switched from 1 1/4" wire rope on a 50 ton winch to 1 1/8" Dynex Dux. The only problem is we did not realize the shock loading was not spread out as well like the wire rope. In other words, the wire rope actually crushed a bit on a big shock load (we haul 150 tons of fish in big seas onboard) the results were we actually cracked the steel drum on a 50 ton gilson winch with synthetic rope. We have used Dux as well as different versions of spectra covered and uncovered for over 5 years now in the toughest conditions year around in the Bearing Sea. We use it anytime time we can where chafe is not an issue. It is safer, lighter, and lasts longer on the running winches. The guys in Seattle have a great shop at pier 91, they build the best nets out of the best materials in the world. I will use 7mm and 9mm for standing rigging. We use 14 mm in our nets in Ak. and on down in size. I can choose from any in the world to get my materials from. These guys are on the leading edge.
All that being said, I am looking fwd. to the new adventure re rigging my sailboat.

http://www.hampidjan.is/products/rop...ging/index.asp

:-)

[Dan Lehman]

Originally Posted by Jack

The Icelanders have been at the front edge of new and amazing advances in rope technology.

I remarked at this assertion in that URLinked story on rigging with HMPE:
"while a Bowline will reduce a line's potential by 20-30%."
That should be "to" vice "by"--severe weakening (if it holds to prove it)!
(Do the Icelanders do some testing?)

We have used Dux as well as different versions of spectra covered and uncovered for over 5 years now in the toughest conditions year around in the Bearing Sea.

What knots do you use (and how/where) in your commercial fishing?

:-)

[Jack]

I am not sure of your question Knots in the Dux or Spectra are not used, we splice everything. What do you refer to as to what knots we use?

[SV Papillon]

Jack what boat are you on. I'm the 1st eng on the Northern Glacier.
The only questionable new line I've seen is the stuff we are using for bridles and slack wires. We have taken all the wire off to the net real. The deck guys are real picky on the chaffe on it, said its pretty touchy, use mat gaurds etc. It's not spectra, a 8 strand yellow fiber stuff.

We just got back from three years on the mex coast based out of pv. Never made it up in the sea, thats for next time, made it to huatulco loved it.

Jake

[Jack]

I am Capt. on the shore based Columbia. I've known Capt. Ray since the begging of the N.Glacier. The yellow stuff is the Dux. We have replaced all wire that runs from the door to the net, as well as the haul-back winch's where we use 1 1/8' to haul 150 ton bags of fish up the ramp (as you know) we also use it on the crane main line, all the various winches on deck except the one that runs past the exaust stacks.
I just did receive my spool off 9-mm Dynex Dux. It is grey, and very stiff to start with. We have the Precourt deadeyes and thimbles. Now to learn the splice they show in the Precourt site. Does anyone know of any other site that shows a Brummle splice?

[SV Papillon]

Jack

I checked out the precourt site, looks like good stuff. Thinking about that route for our shrouds. couldn't find any dimensional drawings though.

If there is anyone who can tell you how do do a particular splice it's Brion on here.

Jake