On Sun, 12 Mar 2006 22:03:15 GMT, in message

"Roger Long" wrote:

Every single thing that goes on a boat has to be from a marine supply
store. It must be approved by the manufacturer for it's intended use
and have an identifying part number.

And of course, all of those part numbers must be entered in the
maintenance log and signed off by both of the professional tech who
make the installation ;-)

Just kidding. That's the way it is in aviation. You know, it's kind
of nice not to be managing an airplane anymore. I just had a very
relaxing day working on my boat and learning how to splice double
braid.

BTW "Fid Length" for New England Ropes has nothing to do with the
fids. It's just a term they made up for the measurements in the kit
or instructions. Follow them *exactly* and everything will work out
fine even though it's a complete mystery what you are doing until the
finished splice is suddenly sitting there in your hands.

I found it far less mystifying to follow Brion Toss's instructions
with one of his splicing wands. But you are right about the "exactly".
Don't let anybody watch you splice, especially not anybody who might
open their mouth and distract you in the middle.

Ryk