All of the complex stretching discussions aside, I use the garden hose as
well, but as the chafe guard...

I cut 2 - 3' lengths of garden hose, then split the last 2" on one end.
Slip that over the line then use light line to pinch the split section onto
the main line where you need it. I've been using this method for years and
never have any chafe issues, and my old sailboat went through several near
misses by hurricanes and dozens of storms with no chafing at all.

Hope that this helps

Steve