Lucas Delgado
When it comes to choosing the right type of chicken line for a raft, there are two main options: rope and webbing. A chicken line, also known as a perimeter line, is a safety feature that allows individuals to maintain balance in rapids and re-enter the raft if they fall out. While both rope and webbing have their advantages and disadvantages, the ultimate decision may depend on personal preference, the specific requirements of the raft, and the intended use case.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To provide a pre-built system to help unpin a boat and for rescue applications |
| Pros of rope | Easier to grab in a crux situation, less likely to cause entrapment, easy to store, softer and easier on hands, ideal for anchors |
| Cons of rope | Gets stretched out and loose, hard to get knots tight enough, dry-tight and wet-loose issues |
| Pros of webbing | Stays tight longer, has very low elasticity, strong, resistant to rot, abrasion, mildew, petroleum products and most other chemicals, lies flatter against the boat, reducing likelihood of foot entrapment, has higher breaking point, easy to sit on |
| Cons of webbing | Harder to grab, more susceptible to sun damage |
| Suggested types of rope | Static accessory cord from a climbing shop, 5/8" braided polypropylene rope, retired static rope, 1/2” double braided dock line |
| Suggested types of webbing | 1" tubular webbing, 1" nylon webbing, 1" wide polypropylene webbing, 1" HD Tie-Down Strap, polyester webbing, Mil-Spec tubular webbing |
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What You'll Learn
Rope vs. webbing for chicken lines
When it comes to choosing between rope and webbing for chicken lines, there are several factors to consider. Both options have their own advantages and disadvantages, and the best choice depends on specific needs and preferences.
One of the key considerations is ease of grabbing. In an emergency situation, such as being tossed out of a boat, a bulky rope is generally easier to grab onto than webbing, which can lie flat against the rubber and be more challenging to grasp. This makes rope a safer option in crucial moments. Additionally, rope provides the benefit of keeping swimmers with the raft, reducing the risk of entanglement.
On the other hand, webbing has its own advantages. Polyester webbing, for example, starts tight and stays tight, whereas rope tends to stretch out and loosen over time. Webbing also has a tighter weave than rope and holds less sand. It lays flatter against the boat, reducing the risk of entanglement, and can be easily adjusted for tightness with the use of a cam buckle. Webbing is also more comfortable to sit on than rope, making it a more convenient option for rafters.
While webbing may be more challenging to grab in an emergency, some users have found creative solutions. One rafter shared that they use webbing with two small cam straps on either side, allowing for easy release in case of entrapment. They also mentioned that webbing is valuable in the event of a flip and when children are swimming in slow sections of the river.
Ultimately, the decision between rope and webbing for chicken lines depends on individual preferences and specific use cases. Both options can work well as long as they are properly tightened around an inflated boat. Users should carefully consider the benefits and drawbacks of each before making a choice to ensure their safety and comfort.
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Pros and cons of using rope
When it comes to choosing between rope and webbing for a chicken line, there are several factors to consider. Both options have their own pros and cons, and the decision ultimately depends on personal preference and specific use case.
Pros of Using Rope:
- Rope is easier to grab in an emergency situation, such as when you fall out of the boat and need to climb back in. Its higher surface area makes it ideal for swimmers to grip onto.
- Rope is dynamic and flexible, allowing for easier adjustments.
- Rope is less susceptible to sun damage and UV radiation compared to certain types of webbing.
- Rope is generally softer on the hands than webbing, especially tubular webbing.
- Rope has a high working load limit, meaning it can withstand a lot of weight and tension.
- Water-resistant ropes are designed to be resistant to rot and elongation, ensuring durability.
Cons of Using Rope:
- Rope can stretch over time, requiring frequent adjustments and tightening.
- It can be challenging to tie knots with rope, especially when setting up the boat or when adjustments are needed.
- Loose rope around the boat can be dangerous, potentially causing entanglement or leg entrapment.
- Rope has more crevasses and can hold more grit, sand, and water, leading to additional weight and abrasion.
- In a paddle raft, rope may cause abrasion if you are taking strong strokes close to the boat.
It is worth noting that proper tension and tightness of the rope are crucial to minimizing the risks associated with using rope. Additionally, the type of rope used, such as braided rope or climbing rope, can also impact its performance and durability.
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Pros and cons of using webbing
When it comes to choosing a chicken line for a raft, there are several options available, including rope and webbing. While both have their advantages and disadvantages, it is essential to consider the specific needs and requirements of the user. Here is a detailed analysis of the pros and cons of using webbing for a chicken line:
Pros of Using Webbing:
- Neatness and Tautness: Webbing tends to stay neater and tighter compared to rope, which can become loose over time. Polyester webbing, in particular, is known for retaining its tightness better than nylon.
- Comfort: Flat webbing is generally more comfortable to sit on than rope, providing a smoother surface for occupants of the raft.
- Safety: Webbing can be connected with cam straps, making it easier to undo in case of emergencies or entrapment. Additionally, with a cam buckle, the line can be tightened as needed, reducing the risk of entanglement.
- Durability: Webbing is less prone to abrasion than rope, especially when used with a padded cam buckle system. It also has a tighter weave and holds less sand, resulting in reduced wear and tear.
- Convenience: Webbing does not catch errant fly casts as easily as rope, making it more convenient for fishing or when navigating through areas with low-hanging branches.
Cons of Using Webbing:
- Grabbing Difficulty: One of the significant disadvantages of webbing is that it can be challenging to grab in an emergency situation. When tossed out of the boat, individuals may find it harder to grasp the webbing and pull themselves back in compared to a bulky rope.
- Knotting Challenges: Achieving tight knots with webbing can be more difficult than with rope, especially when combined with a cam buckle system. This challenge may impact the overall security of the chicken line.
- Setup Considerations: When using webbing, it is crucial to consider the setup, including the type of knots or buckles used and the placement of D-rings. Improper setup can lead to issues with tightness and potential entanglement.
- Cost: Depending on the specific materials and setup, webbing may be more expensive than traditional rope options.
In conclusion, while webbing offers advantages such as neatness, comfort, and reduced abrasion, it also presents challenges in grabbing and knotting. The decision to use webbing or rope ultimately depends on the specific requirements and preferences of the user, the anticipated river conditions, and the level of convenience and safety desired.
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Knotting every D-ring
The main advantage of knotting each D-ring is that it reduces potential slack in the system, minimising entrapment hazards for individuals and when navigating external river hazards. Without knots in all the D-rings, slack can develop, leading to insufficient tension. This can make it difficult or even impossible to re-enter the raft unassisted after falling out. Knots in every D-ring provide the necessary tension, making it more likely that you can recover yourself.
The length of your raft will determine how much rope or webbing you need if you plan on tying knots in each D-ring. As a general rule, take the length of your raft, multiply it by three, and then add the width multiplied by two. This will give you the approximate length of rope or webbing required. For example, if you have a 13-foot raft with 10 D-rings, you would need to multiply 13 by 3, which is 39, and then add 2 times the width. If your boat has more D-rings and you plan to knot all of them, you will need to increase the amount of rope or webbing accordingly.
When choosing between rope and webbing, it is important to consider the benefits and drawbacks of each. Rope is generally easier to grab in an emergency, but it can be challenging to keep it tight and it may stretch over time. Webbing, on the other hand, stays tighter and is more resistant to abrasion and UV damage. It also has a higher strength-to-bulk ratio, making it easier to store and keep on your person. However, webbing can be harder to grab in a crucial situation and may increase the risk of entrapment. Ultimately, the decision between rope and webbing depends on personal preference, but if you choose rope for your perimeter line, it should be a static line.
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Types of webbing
When it comes to choosing the right type of webbing for a chicken line on a raft, there are several options to consider, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Here are some types of webbing and their unique characteristics:
Flat Webbing
Flat webbing is a popular choice for chicken lines due to its comfort and ease of use. It sits flatter against the boat, reducing the risk of foot entrapment and providing a smoother surface to sit on. Flat webbing is often used in conjunction with cam straps, making it ideal for lashing gear to your raft. It typically has lower load ratings than tubular webbing, so it is best suited for strapping gear rather than load-bearing applications. Polyester flat webbing is a good option as it stays tight and holds less sand than multi-braid rope.
Tubular Webbing
Tubular webbing, such as the Sterling Tubular 1" Webbing, is strong and versatile. It is commonly used for anchor points in rescue systems and is favoured by climbers and rescue specialists for slings and anchors due to its exceptional abrasion resistance. Tubular webbing is a static line with no flex, a higher breaking point, and better visibility due to its bright colours. However, one of the drawbacks is that it can be harder to grip than braided rope, and it is more susceptible to sun damage if exposed to strong UV light for extended periods.
Polypropylene Webbing
Polypropylene webbing, such as the NRS 1" HD Tie-Down Strap, is another option for chicken lines. It offers a high tensile strength of 1,500 pounds, providing confidence in securing your gear. It is also treated with a UV protectant to prolong its life in outdoor environments.
Nylon Webbing
Nylon webbing is another type of webbing material that is strong and durable. It is often used in rescue systems and military applications due to its toughness and ability to withstand abrasion.
When choosing between rope and webbing for a chicken line, it is important to consider the advantages and disadvantages of each. Rope is generally easier to grab in an emergency, while webbing tends to stay tighter and is less likely to entangle legs. Ultimately, the choice between rope and webbing depends on personal preference, the specific use case, and the safety considerations of the rafter.
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Frequently asked questions
A chicken line, also known as a perimeter line, is a safety feature that allows people to hold on for balance in rapids or to re-enter the boat after falling out.
Rope is easier to grab in an emergency, but webbing is less likely to cause entrapment, is easier to store, and is less abrasive. Polyester webbing stays tighter than nylon.
For rope, consider a static line with minimal stretch, such as old climbing rope. For webbing, consider 1" tubular webbing, such as the Sterling Tubular 1" Nylon Webbing, or Mil-Spec tubular webbing.
