Splicing different diameters

[dmonn]

A friend has a 45 ft sailboat that he's tweaking for racing. He asked me to do an end-to-end splice of ropes with different diameters. One is a 6 mm and the other is an 8 mm. Braided polyester cover and dyneema braided core. I tried a strong splice as described by Premium Ropes without any modification (using lengths for the 8 mm rope for both the 8 mm and 6 mm). I got it to work, but the result seemed lumpy. I'm not sure where the lumpiness came from, but I suspect it was due to the different diameters which screwed up the lengths of the different parts.

I decided to also do an eye through an eye connection as an alternative. This was pretty straightforward and I'm happy with the results. It may be a little awkward to get that to run through a block or rope lock, but I'm not sure that needs to be done for my friend's application.

Just wondering if anybody has a technique that works for an end-to-end splice for different diameter ropes that have that double braid, polyester over dyneema construction. I've looked, but haven't found any. I think the eye through eye connection is probably as strong as the smaller diameter line, but curious if there's a better way.

 

[Dan Cobb]

I can't help with splicing questions, but I do hope your friend takes you sailing now and then. Just don't chunk down that big spar while you're aboard, it will ruin your chain!

 

[dmonn]

I can't help with splicing questions, but I do hope your friend takes you sailing now and then. Just don't chunk down that big spar while you're aboard, it will ruin your chain!

I try hard to keep my chains away from rocks and metal (other than my sharpening files). And I'll be on the boat twice a week all summer for races, plus some fun sails. The biggest boat I've owned was a Hobie 20, so this is a whole new experience for me.

 

[Brocky]

Gleistein ropes has an end to end splice that doesn’t increase the diameter. I haven’t tried it, but should be able to do with the different diameters.

 

[dmonn]

Gleistein ropes has an end to end splice that doesn’t increase the diameter. I haven’t tried it, but should be able to do with the different diameters.
View attachment 75351

Thanks.

 

[Dan Cobb]

I try hard to keep my chains away from rocks and metal (other than my sharpening files). And I'll be on the boat twice a week all summer for races, plus some fun sails. The biggest boat I've owned was a Hobie 20, so this is a whole new experience for me.

I had a San Juan 23 for 10 years, but sold it 1.5 years ago. Our marina was 1 hr 45 min from home and we eventually got tired of the drive and paying the slip fee when we weren't using it much. Having a good friend with a boat is better than having one yourself in many ways. Good luck in the races.