Bowsprit Netting

[bobsummers]

Thanks for the good information on bowsprit netting, I will have to digest your information and see what I can figure out. Interesting, using the clove hitch/siezing combo. Also a thanks to Ian on mentioning the differences between chain and cable and the suggestion to consider swapping chain for cable. I am not sure about the footrope idea, as I have been out on square rigger's yards and Bsprits and find that the more weight (people) on a footrope the better for stability with less "sag" until you can drop your weight over the yard or stay and I am not sure I will be able to run the footrope low enough to use the Bsprit to lean on. But I will take a look at it.
Thanks
Bob

[osteoderm]

The clove-hitches i mentioned are just as if you are laying ratl'ns across three shrouds instead of just between two. If the hitches are tightly made-up, and the line well-tarred before and after, i've never known them to slip a bit.
i've used Roblon and other hemp lookalikes, but actually prefer spun-Dacron three-strand; not quite as ultimately strong, but the initially fuzzy texture really saoks up the tarry goodness.

[osteoderm]

The clove-hitches i mentioned are just as if you are laying ratl'ns across three shrouds instead of just between two. If the hitches are tightly made-up, and the line well-tarred before and after, i've never known them to slip a bit.
i've used Roblon and other hemp lookalikes, but actually prefer spun-Dacron three-strand; not quite as ultimately strong, but the initially fuzzy texture really saoks up the tarry goodness. If seizing onto wire instead of chain, be sure to apply service to the wire first.

[Brion Toss]

Hello,
I like to combine footropes with netting, and since the former need to be loose, so then do the latter. It can be done gracefully. We also sometimes hitch at least some of the cranelines to the bobstay, and will also fashion removable pieces for the anchor to pass through. Oh yes, and we commonly refer to bowsprit nettings as "crew strainers".
As for wire vs. chain, it's wire, every time, and in this application service might not be required, given a proper lashing.
Fair leads,
Brion Toss