Braided Polyethylene Rope (Floating), 8-strand – For Watersports & Towing

This braided polyethylene rope is specifically designed for situations where floatation is important. Composed of 8 tightly braided strands with no core, the rope combines light weight with strength. One of the key characteristics of polyethylene is its low density – as a result, the rope floats on water, making it ideal for watersports and safety applications. For example, as a water-ski rope, it will remain on the surface so that skiers and the boat can easily see it, preventing entanglement. Similarly, if a skier falls, the floating rope won’t sink underneath them.

The 8-strand plait (hollow braid) makes the rope very flexible and relatively soft to the touch, without sacrificing tensile strength. This allows for easy spooling on a reel and reduces the chance of kinking or forming knots on its own when slack. The rope’s high tensile strength means it can withstand the sharp pulls of a water skier’s start or the jerks from towing inflatable toys (like a banana boat or tube), as well as the steady tension during towing.

Polyethylene has good resistance to water and chemicals; it does not absorb water and will not rot, which is a significant advantage for a rope that will spend most of its time in or on the water. Typically, this type of rope comes in bright colors – yellow, orange, or multicolored – to ensure maximum visibility on the surface (enhancing safety, especially in busy waterways).

Applications: In addition to its classic use as a water ski rope or tow rope for inflatables, this braided polyethylene rope is also suitable for towing small boats (for instance, towing a small jet ski or inflatable from shore), for buoy lines (since it floats, it’s great for linking marker buoys in swimming areas or nets), and as a rescue throw line (a floating line helps a person in the water see and grab it during an emergency).

It’s important to note that polyethylene ropes have a slightly lower melting point – friction can generate heat that damages the fibers faster than in polyester ropes. Therefore, during prolonged high-load towing use, it’s wise to monitor the rope for signs of wear.