Like many of us, I always have a use for paracord. Stretchy nylon cord is fairly easy to find, but there are fewer sources of low stretch polyester or polypropylene cord.
I stopped by Hamilton Marine (Portland, Maine) the other day and picked up a 2 pound ball of dark green polypropylene cord.
http://store.hamiltonmarine.com/brow...8/4,34495.html
Since it's used for fishing gear, the strength is an estimate in the catalog, about 400 to 500 pound test. I'd estimate the diameter at about 2.2 mm. Since it's sold by the weight, I don't know the length, but I'd estimate that there is at least 400 ft. The weave is a very tight finish, and the cord is fairly stiff at first, but it loosens with use. The stretch seems quite low. The UV resistance won't be as good as polyester, but then I don't plan on leaving it exposed forever. If it holds up for a season of use on a lobster trap, it's strong enough. I'm guessing that it can be spliced, though the stiff cover probably wouldn't make it easy. I make end loops with twin stainless hog rings (also available from Hamilton).
So far, I've made a PCT food bag with a 50' retrieval line, a 50' ridge line, given my son about 150', and there is still plenty left over. Not a bad deal for $13.40.
I have no commercial connections to Hamilton Marine other than being a steady customer for many years.
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Originally Posted by MAD777
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