Help w/ridgeline length, cordage type

[jkchandler7]

Hey guys, need some help.
I'm new at hanging, just got a Yukon Dbl. from Woot during a recent sale (I know its not name brand, but had to start somewhere)
The hammock measures 11'6" Long x 6'4" Wide. I recalled seeing a percentage of length to establish the ridgeline length, but can't remember it.
Two questions: given a fixed/correct length for a ridgeline, can I use 550 paracord for it or should I wait to buy one made of amsteel or the like.
Also, will establishing a proper ridgeline allow for an angled lay?
Thanks ahead of time!
Sorry to go on, just literally getting started with all this! Can't wait to get out there

[Craigthor]

Paracord will work for now though it may strech some. Recommended starting length is 83% or 5/6 of the length. Some liked fixed but I used an adjustable and made small changes in both directions till I found the best lay and was a couple inches shorter than the percentages. Amsteel or Dynaglide would be better as they won't stretch on you.

[gmcttr]

^this....also, a SRL (structural ridgeline) is used to maintain your chosen amount of sag even when your suspension hang angle is a little off.

The amount of sag that is most comfortable for you and that allows a diagonal lay can be achieved with or without a SRL. The SRL just makes the sag consistent.

[mrjaw14]

I am making a structural ridge line, meaning one that can bear weight. It limits the amount the ends of the hammock can be pulled thus always keeping the hammock lay consistent.

So for that, you want something that can bear weight and won't stretch. As they have mentioned, something like dynaglide or amsteel will work, and it less weight than 550 cord. also paracord stretches up to 30%, which will change your hammock lay quite a bit.

Look up whoopie slings and UCR's. I just made two whoopie slings for the first time last night for my suspension, and made a UCR for the structural ridge line. I increased the length of the bury from the recommended 6.5-7" to 12-14" to make sure it holds secure. It's adjustable, so I can change things up, or move the UCR to another hammock.

[Shug]

These work truly well.......http://shop.whoopieslings.com/Adjust...e-Line-ASR.htm
Handy reading on ridgeline.....http://www.tothewoods.net/HomemadeHammock4.html
Shug

[DBX]

These work truly well.......http://shop.whoopieslings.com/Adjust...e-Line-ASR.htm
Handy reading on ridgeline.....http://www.tothewoods.net/HomemadeHammock4.html
Shug

Thanks for the links Shug. Been searching for that very info, but my Google Fu has been weak.

[jkchandler7]

Thanks guys, thanks Shug! Appreciate the advise. Will make arrangements for one of those from Whoopieslings.com

[ramjet]

Thanks for the timely advice, I decided after last weekend that I need to play with the sag and so I looked for advice here and shazam.
I ordered an adjustable ridgeline instead of messing with mine, besides my daughter's having trouble with her inside hammocks sag so we'll use use the adjustable one and then make a solid one

[robv60]

Paracord will work for now though it may strech some. Recommended starting length is 83% or 5/6 of the length. Some liked fixed but I used an adjustable and made small changes in both directions till I found the best lay and was a couple inches shorter than the percentages. Amsteel or Dynaglide would be better as they won't stretch on you.

+1. Yep. 83% is a good starting point. Im still messing with mine but 83% was in the ball park.

[markacwi]

As a recent acquirer of the Woot yukon (and hours upon hours of reading HF) I went with an adjustable RL from Dutchgear (and whoopies, amsteel loops, tree straps and dutch clips). Sure I have more invested with Dutch than the hammock itself but I didn't like the rope it came with. First impressions- I'm very happy with the Yukon. With the new suspension on my first try I had it up in less than ten minutes and napping in less than 20. I found I could get a great lay using the 83% (114") but I intend to adjust is a little each way and see if I notice a better lay.