8 strand vs 12 strand nylon

[Renoir]

Are there advantages in using 8 strand nylon over 12 strand nylon for anchoring or docklines?

[Bob Pingel]

Renoir-

In my experience, the diff is one of handling/suppleness. The braided nylon is more supple in large sizes. I have spliced Yale Brait for use as an anchor rode, it fed very smoothly in and out of the anchor locker. MegaBraid is a requirement for dock line over one inch or you will really struggle cleating, etc.

I don't have numbers, but single braid or double braid nylon seems less elastic than 3-strand.

MegaBraid II is easy to splice with just a tuck splice (like regatta braid).

Does this help any?

Bob

[Bob Pingel]

The key diff between 8 and 12 will be in suppleness. The 8strand will sort of crumble into a very dense pile in your anchor locker, the 12 will pile up a little higher.

Bob

[Renoir]

Thank you for the explanation! I wonder, though, why Yale claims that the single braid has greater "shock absorption" than 3 strand nylon? Regardless, I am using the 12 strand for the dock lines and the 8-strand (600 ft) for the anchor rode.
Rick