Keeping your left elbow fixed and reaching a consistent distance to your right will result in coils of the same diameter as they rest in your left hand. Slide your right-hand palm down along the rope, grasp it with thumb and forefinger and, giving it a slight twist away from you to form the coil, lay it in your left hand. To properly coil laid line, hold one end in your left hand, palm up, elbow into your side, with the end hanging below the coil that you’ll be making (so it won’t tangle). A closer examination shows that the fibers in the strands are parallel to the length of the rope.Ģ. When you hold a length of rope away from you, notice that the strands spiral in a clockwise direction. Three-strand rope consists of fibers twisted to form right-hand yarns, which are twisted in the opposite direction into strands, then twisted right and into rope. Fiber rope consists of fibers formed into yarns, strands, braids or plaits. Marlinspike seamanship is among the technical specialties you need to know, and it includes more than knots and splices.ġ.
#Marlin spike how to#
My grandfather, who was a Navy officer, and father taught me that while I needn’t do everything myself, I should know how to do everything so I can ensure that what is done for me is done properly. Whether maneuvering a sailboat or powerboat into or out of its berth, piloting or navigating, or repairing and maintaining electrical and plumbing systems, it requires technical know-how. Skippers, mates and deckhands that become proficient with the marlinspike can be referred to as Marlin Spikes or Marlin Spike Seamen.īoating is a technical undertaking. I would question the bonafides of a mariner that says they have no need for a marlin spike or is unable to splice three strand or woven line.Note: Marlinspike is a nautical term that refers to a sharp, six to 12 inch metal pin, usually made of iron or steel, that’s used to splice rope, untie knots, or form toggles or handles. And when on a vessel my trusty Camillus with marlin spike is always with me and the marlin spike is used frequently.
#Marlin spike professional#
Having spent over 30 years as a professional mariner I feel undressed when not carrying a knife and penlight. The need for a marlin spike constantly presents itself.
There are still a lot of people that were never taught to tie proper knots. With the increased use of nylon ratchet straps and twine at work even a properly tied knot may need assistance to be untied.
#Marlin spike plus#
Plus whatever knife happens to be in my pocket, I own several high quality pocket folders. On our boat there is always a sharp knife within reach whether a filet knife, a pairing knife, a box cutter, chef's knife or utility knife. I keep the non locking blade just sharp enough to strip electrical wire and cut half inch nylon line. I have a Camillus with locking marlin spike and shackle tool. btw, i'm not much impressed with the sheath for the Myerchin and seperate spike-too much monkeying around to resheath as well as finding a comfortable belt position. I've also got a few WM cheapies with spikes that owe me less and less each day they stay on board. It's about what I'm willing to spend for a knife I'll eventually lose. You can make the case for owning 4 or 5 cheapies, and having them spread about.
In such instances, there's no time to go below for your cheapie and, if a serious incident, you're glad the line got cut at any cost. Let's be generous and say that works out, they cut the line and toss it back to you-not quite making it. In my years at sea i rarely returned with the knife I left with.įor example you find yourself in the situation where someone on the dock needs a knife immediately and you toss your folder to them. I am always reluctant to spend too much on a good knife. A am not at all against the 'cheapies', the only trouble being buying a good cheapie! I prefer steel to stainless as it holds an edge better.
0 kommentar(er)
