Cutting Dock Lines

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Brian Suhl

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exMember
Joined
May 9, 2001
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4517
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168
I just bought several 5/8" dock lines that are Unicord brand from Boatfix. One of the lines has a cut in one of the roughly 10 strands that form the braid only 6 inches from the bitter end. I really don't want to go through the trouble and expense of returning it so I just want to cut the end before this spot. I have used electrical tape to whip the end on other lines before cutting and melting with a lighter but it leaves a big knob of melted line on the end. Is there a better way?
 
Are they white dock lines? There is a liquid whip that works great and looks ok on white lines. On other colors, it stands out more then you may want.......
 
Flutter, there is a creature like the one in your picture on our dock. I gently picked it up one day and held it close. I whispered very quietly and gently to it "you're a dog". It squirmed until I put it down.
 
ROMSLMAO.gif

You are lucky he didn't bite you!!!!!
 
I use the flat pad bit of my soldering iron to melt the ends of ropes.

First, tightly make a wrap around the rope with masking tape, cut a square end with a SHARP knife on the tape, then rub the end with the hot soldering iron to keep it from fraying.
 
I started using blue PVC glue when nothing else was available. Now I like my blue ends.
 
I've had poor results with the white "liquid whip". I tried polyurethane glue (like gorilla glue), and it works GREAT! Smear on a thin band around the end of the line, flex the end so that the glue soaks in, and let it dry for a couple of hours. It won't wear off, and it's waterproof.
 
I have zipper pulls which will rub and mar my gelcoat along the gunnel. It cleans off, but I'd rather prevent it. Also the zipper pulls make an irritating noise when I'm up on plane. I solved both problems by dipping the pulls in liquid whip and letting dry.
 
Heat shrink that you would use on electrical connections works well....

Rob
 
Flutterby,

Is that a Bichon? My boy Moku asks to be lifted onto and off of the couch at home. On the boat he bounces up and down off of every seat on the bridge with the air of one who is in command.

I buy dock lines pre-spliced from the local guy and avoid the issue altogether.
 
If you like this sort of thing, get some whipping twine that is color coordinated to your canvas, and whip the ends of all your white lines. It's fun, and looks sharp! Chapman's has whipping instructions, and I'm sure you could find some online too.
 
Wrap it tight with masking tape heat a putty knife with a propane torch until it glows red, and cut straight through the tape. I like to go around the circumference of the end a bit, too.
 
quote:
Originally posted by OldMariner32

Flutterby,Is that a Bichon?
Click to expand...


No, he is a 7 lb Maltese. Smaller then a Bichon. My guy jumps with the best of them at home, at the boat, doesn't matter. I'm glad my gunnels are too high for him to jump on/over!
 
I've had luck with liquid electrical tape. I brush it on about 1/2 inch above and below where I want to cut the line. Once dry use a shary utility to cut the line, then dip it in the liquid electrical tape and let dry.
 
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