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Amsteel for Water Sports?

DB4x4

DB4x4

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jul 25, 2018
Messages
1,870
Thinking about making my own DIY ski bridle/tube tow harness for the boat out of 1/4 Amsteel. Any reason why this wouldn't work? Most ski/tube rope are rated at ~6,000 lb break strength. Amsteel 1/4 should be 7,000+ lbs.

Thoughts?
 
I would assume most of the ropes you would buy would be some kind of dynamic rope? Would you be replacing a dynamic rope with a static rope?
 
Arrowsquirrel said:
I would assume most of the ropes you would buy would be some kind of dynamic rope? Would you be replacing a dynamic rope with a static rope?
Click to expand...

The main rope is store bought and has stretch. I am looking to replace the V shaped harness that attaches to the boat and connects to the main rope.
 
Amsteel was made for the boating industry, and was shortly thereafter adopted for use in winches, to replace the steel cables. Amsteel will be a great choice for your tubes.

Are you familiar with splicing to make your ends/connections? It’s really easy; however, with 1/4” making an eye on both ends can be challenging if you’re unfamiliar.


Semper Fi,
Mike
 
ShooterMike said:
Amsteel was made for the boating industry, and was shortly thereafter adopted for use in winches, to replace the steel cables. Amsteel will be a great choice for your tubes.

Are you familiar with splicing to make your ends/connections? It’s really easy; however, with 1/4” making an eye on both ends can be challenging if you’re unfamiliar.


Semper Fi,
Mike
Click to expand...


I know how to splice it. I've made tons of aiders. I've never heard of anybody using it for something like this on here though... Was wondering if there was a reason. I have the perfect design in mind for something like this, and I can't believe someone has not tried it yet.
 
It's what wakeboard ropes are made of because they don't want stretch. Ski ropes are nylon because they want stretch. Every tube rope I've seen has been nylon, not sure if they want the stretch or because it's cheaper.

I made my own wakeboard rope a few years ago and it's worked great. I used 1/4" which is overkill, but it tangles less than the thinner stuff.

You will be fine.

Sent from my SM-G973U1 using Tapatalk
 
my concern would be going too thin, not due to lack of strength, but the narrow diameter could cause a wicked laceration or burn if it gets wrapped or caught on you while under that kind of tension.
 
Th
DB4x4 said:
Thinking about making my own DIY ski bridle/tube tow harness for the boat out of 1/4 Amsteel. Any reason why this wouldn't work? Most ski/tube rope are rated at ~6,000 lb break strength. Amsteel 1/4 should be 7,000+ lbs.

Thoughts?
Click to expand...
Marine uses was literally the reason amsteel was created. It’s the same material as braided fishing line and it’s used to replace winch cables on some sea going tugs and ships
 
sureshot said:
It's what wakeboard ropes are made of because they don't want stretch. Ski ropes are nylon because they want stretch. Every tube rope I've seen has been nylon, not sure if they want the stretch or because it's cheaper.

I made my own wakeboard rope a few years ago and it's worked great. I used 1/4" which is overkill, but it tangles less than the thinner stuff.

You will be fine.

Sent from my SM-G973U1 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
I don't do either sport but this seems like the factor to consider. If you're pulling young'uns on a tube, maybe a nylon rope with a bit of stretch will make for a more pleasant ride for them.
 
Here's what I went with, if anybody is interested...

V shaped harness made from blue 1/4" with locked Brummel splices. Full buries on the ends in red with 24kn biners.
Screenshot_20230805-163021.png


Left about a 2' loop on the bottom of the V after the splice so that I could slide a piece of pool noodle on, terminated with a choked quick connect.
Screenshot_20230805-163358.png

When the noodle gets beat up, unchoke the quick connect, slide the noodle off, and slide a new piece on. (The noodle keeps the rope from sinking down to the prop and getting tangled)

Screenshot_20230805-163426.png
 
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The old tube pulling rope I have I'm pretty sure is amsteel or really close..the ends are just a bury back on it self for the loops. I added a float on it to try and help keep it from pulling the tube down on starts. So I had to un burry, slide it over, than re do. I like your boat attachment. The one I have my friend have me years ago. Still works. But if it breaks I think I will make one like that. Thanks for posting..
 
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