SABOTStandardized Auxiliary Boat

Operations Training

Ninth District - Eastern Region

COMO. Lew Wargo, Sr.DSO-OP/CQEC03 APR 2015MARLINESPIKE

SABOT

Marlinspike

TYPES of LINEA. Typed by Material:

NaturalSynthetic

B. Typed by Construction:BraidedTwisted

TYPES of LINE• Twisted tends to be less expensive than

braided.

• Braided is smoother to handle

• Both have equal strength

TYPES of LINECotton: – Natural fiber– Weak – Low cost– Only good for heaving lines and decoration

TYPES of LINESisal:

• Natural fiber• Inexpensive • Coarse• Susceptible to rot (not commonly used)

TYPES of LINE

Manila:

• Natural fiber• Strongest of natural fibers• Standard for comparison of most lines• Susceptible to rot (should be replaced

yearly)

TYPES of LINENylon:• Most near all-purpose synthetic line• Costly• High stretch (ability to absorb shock)• 3 times strength of similar sized manila• Resistant to sunlight• Does not weaken with mildew• Easy to work

TYPES of LINEDacron:• Synthetic material• Slightly weaker than nylon (about 80%)• Very little stretch• Less Resistant to sunlight than nylon• Wears well (chafe and abrasion resistant)• Costly

TYPES of LINEPolyethylene:• Synthetic material• Used in smaller sizes (ski tow ropes)• Floats• About 1 ½ the strength of manila• Holds up well to the environment (sun, etc.)• Low cost

TYPES of LINEPolypropylene: • Synthetic material that comes in many colors• Floats and is much less costly than nylon• Wear resistant but slippery• Becomes stiff with age, use and sunlight• Looses strength when stretched• Fuses (melts) under heavy loads• Lower costNOTE: If used for towline, record length and check after use for stretch (weakening)

TYPES of LINE

Polyester:Wears well and resistant to chaffing and sun

Floats

Very low stretch (makes a poor towline)

LINE COMPARISONBREAKING

TYPE SIZE STRENGTHNylon 5/8” 9,000Polypropylene 5/8” 5,040Dacron 5/8” 7,200Nylon 7/8” 17,015Polypropylene 7/8” 9,528Dacron 7/8” 13,612

LINE COMPARISONPOLY-

FACTOR MANILA DACRON PROP NYLON

Stretch 1X 1.2X 1.3X 3X

Durability 1X 4.2X 5X 4.5X

TOWLINESelect for strength, cost & shock absorbing

Inspect regularly

Store for easy and quick use.

Store w/bridle if bridle is used in rig

Eye should be spliced in the end

Store w/pendant if used

BRIDLES• Used on some tows and many towboats

• Used to center tow

• Should be same strength as towline

• If hardware is used, hardware should be stronger than the line

• Have different sizes

PENDANTS

• Short length of towline used to prevent wear on long towline

• Could be 1/2 of a bridle

ANCHOR LINE• Dedicated for anchoring

• Pre-connected & ready for quick use utilizing a swivel, shackle (that is moused) and chain.

• Strong enough to hold vessel

• Ability to absorb shock

• Long enough to give scope of 7:1 or 10:1

• Have a second line

DOCK LINES• Dedicated for docking use. (If you leave

lines on your dock have another set for use in other locations.)

• Strong enough to hold your boat (Double-up at times)

• Ability to absorb shock loads

ALONGSIDE TOW LINES

• Dedicated use

• Sets of 4 lines

• Different sizes (Have a smaller size for towing small boats)

• Should be approximately as long as the facility

MAINTENANCE

• Keep clean and inspect regularly (Clean dirt from lines as dirt wears lines)

• Use the proper size and type for the job

• Whip or taps ends to keep from unraveling

STORING LINES• Store ready for quick use

• Free of tangles and easy to pay out

• Coiled (Discuss how to coil)

• Dedicated for specific use (anchor, tow, docking, Alongside towing, etc.)

STORING LINES

Lines should be kept clean, coiled and ready for quick use

Faking a line for quick use and without fouling

PARTS OF A LINE

Working End

KNOTS & HITCHESBowline: used to make a temporary loop

Clove Hitch: Used to attach line around Objects

Double Sheet Bend: Used to connect two lines.

(Single sheet bend is difficult to undo if loaded)

KNOTS & HITCHESRound Turn w/two Half Hitches: Used to attach line to an object.

Cleat Hitch: Used to attach line to a cleat. (Use 3 figure 8s) (NEVER use w/weather hitch).

Weather Hitch: Locking half hitches used on a flag pole or jack staff (Never on a boat cleat).

SPLICES• Much stronger than knots or hitches

• Permanent connection

• 3 Strand line is much easier and quicker tosplice with practice.

ROPE CONSTRUCTION

29

Laid rope

Webbing

Reprinted with permission from Knots, Slices and Line Handling: A Captain’s Quick Guide by Charlie Wing

STOPPER KNOT

DOUBLE SHEET BENDor BECKET BEND

CLOVE HITCH

• Clove Hitch• Will slip if not under tension• Finish with Half Hitch

TWO HALF HITCHES

• Hitch• line attached to object

ANCHOR BEND

Secure way of attaching line to an object (anchor)

BOWLINE

SECURING LINES

SECURING LINES

Cleats are used to secure lines

Weather HitchDo Not Use

Blocks

DIPPING THE EYE

Second line (white)

passes under first line (black)

and then over the

post