drift boat line

cully · 03-07-2002, 06:13 PM

I have a anchor line of about 50 feet, a bow line of 50 feet and now am looking for a rope to line my boat with if needed. Dan Aslsups drift boat recomends 100 feet of 3/8 to 5/8 line for that purpose as well as to pull a drift boat off a broach. I have done alot of looking at line and static line(no streach) with 2500# to 3000# breaking strength but does not float runs about 85 cents a foot. It does not float. Poly rope which floats runs about 25 cents a foot but only has the breaking strengh of 500#'s or so. Could i find a static rope that floats or do i even need it to float? Could I soak the static rope that does not float in a solution which would give it floatabilty? Is there a static rope that is already considered a dry rope? Lots of mush out of my mouth I know but Helppppppppppp!

Captn · 03-07-2002, 09:53 PM

Well, Cully, I am not sure where you are going to be taking your boat. I've been rowing my drift boat about 17 years, and have about the amount of line for bow and stearn anchors. I use about 100 ft of 1/2 inch braded nylon when I bring it up from Ojalla bridge on the Siletz, but other than that I have never needed anything more than a bow rope. I think though I would get the poly rope. There isn't much that you could tie on to that would warrent more that 500 lbs of tug, it floats and is easy to handle. I can't tell if you are just over prepairing or you actually have some areas that you are going to need to line your boat around.

cully · 03-08-2002, 05:56 AM

captn, thanks. I think you would be correct in assuming that I am over doing it. I tend to over prepare on most things. If it's tough water that I have to line down I probably should not even be there. I have only drifted once in my boat and will be finding myself in slow water for some time.

Drachir · 03-08-2002, 06:02 PM

I agree w/ Captn., I have been Drift Boating since 1968. I have never needed more than the 150' of 3/8" braided polyester rope, that I always carry. The only time I've needed it, is roping the boat down a steep bank to launch, or a long boat slide, like the one @ Siskyville on the Wilson. Other than that, I've never used that length of rope. Use your head, and don't go through water that you are not capable of running. By all means, if you are not familiar w/ the water you are running, SCOUT AHEAD!!! If you see water ahead that you can't handle, then either Portage your boat, or get out and line it through!! Be Smart, and Be Safe!!!

:grin:

cully · 03-08-2002, 07:36 PM

Drachir, I get the message " SCOUT AHEAD".
Thanks, for the imput all, it always helps

R Jackson · 03-08-2002, 08:03 PM

Cully, you're not over preparing. Better to have to much than not enough. Check out this web site for a happy medium on rope that's designed to do what you're asking about. www.rescue3.com Go to Swiftwater Rescue Equiptment, then Rope and Accessories, then Water Rescue Rope for Throw Bags. There are several choices there.