Chafing (nautical)

Chaffed mooring lines
Guards can be applied to mooring lines to prevent this

In sailing, chafing is the process of wear on a line, sail or yard caused by constant rubbing and fretting.[1] Various methods are used to prevent chafing, such as employing chaffing gear or shifting halyards to move their wear-point.[2] Chafing of lines that rest on a choke on a boat can be prevented by putting a protecting material around the line. Traditionally ropes were wrapped in canvas and lubricated with tallow; however, plastic sleeves or pipes (sometimes as simple as a piece of old garden hose) are more common in recent times.[3] Chafing of a sail rubbing against a cable can be prevented on large ships by tying a baggywrinkle around the cable.[4]

  1. ^ Naish, G.P.B.; Whitlock, P.C.; Bathe, B.W.; Villiers, A. (1978). The Visual Encyclopedia of Nautical Terms Under Sail. Crown. ISBN 978-0-517-53317-8.
  2. ^ Vicky Ellis (15 April 2020). "How to prepare your yacht for anything: Preempting chafe, rig and crew problems". Yachting World.
  3. ^ Richard Toyne. "How to Prevent Chaffing of Mooring Lines". Classic Boat. Retrieved 11 July 2023.
  4. ^ ""Baggywrinkle" in Marine Glossary". nauticalvoice.com. Retrieved 11 July 2023.