Thanks to all who answered.

Red Cloud. I of course have read about leather, canvas, etc., but have never
seen it. No one I know uses it. I guess I would buy it at a chandlery? How
long does it last? I read an account of a hurricane anchoring in which the
skipper could not keep up with chafe on his anchor line, using leather, and
finally lost the line (The Complete Book of Anchorng and Mooring, Earl
Hinz). (I'm not suggesting that garden hose would have been preferable!)

Is the reason for may lack of familiarity because of inland boating? I
assure you I have never heard of a dock line parting because of chafe in
these parts, where we generally dock in relative protection from waves, but
can get substantial winds. I docked through the remnants of Hurricane
Frances last year, and chafe simply was not an issue. Of course, I keep an
eye on my lines, and replace when necessary, but that's year by year, not
minute by minute. And I don't run the lines over rough concrete edges, I use
double loops around pilings to minimize slip, etc.

Under what conditions would a chafing line get hot enough to melt? Have you
seen it happen?

Thanks again.

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Charles T. Low
www.boatdocking.com

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"Red Cloud©" wrote in message
news

Chafing gear can cause more harm than good if it repels water. In a
storm, you want those stretching nylon lines WET for lubrication to
keep them from melting. Canvas or leather are much better choices.

rusty redcloud