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From: "Jim Wilkins" <muratlanne@gmail.com>
Newsgroups: rec.crafts.metalworking
Subject: Re: OT: Marlin Spike
Date: Wed, 13 Nov 2024 20:08:29 -0500
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"Bob La Londe"  wrote in message news:vh3cb6$2ebtd$1@dont-email.me...

Is there a way to put a marlin spike loop mid span in a section of
twisted rope without tying a knot in it?

Back in the winter of 1980/81 I took a small craft and seamanship course
from the USCGA (D-9) with my Uncle Paul.  I learned how to back splice,
straight splice, and how to loop splice the ends of a rope, but I'd like
to make a tow harness for a boat that centers the load on both rear tie
down rings.  Ideally with a float before the loop, and the splice
extending further than the length of the float.  All I've ever used is
loop splices in the real world, but I could figure out the others quick
enough if I had to.

The only thing I can think if is to make two loops through the float
with two different pieces of rope.

I'd like to be able to quickly clip each end on to one of the tie down
rings on a small (relatively) craft and toss the float straight off the
back for a tow line to clip onto.  This is not intended for skiing.  Its
intended for towing a disable watercraft.  In some cases one much
heavier than the tow craft.

For water skiing the ideal setup is to come off a pole well above the
deck with a single line on a mount that can swing easily.  I have one,
although I have never used it.  Never was able to ski more than a couple
hundred yards without turning myself into a torpedo.

Untwisting and retwisting a long section of rope really is not an
answer.  I want to do this with nylon rope and it doesn't tend to
retwist very well.  The only reason a loop splice works with it is
because tensions clamps the strands to each other after its woven.
Well, and I also lightly melt the ends so they stick in place.

The only other thing I can think if is lashing (whipping?) with a light
cord instead of splicing.  I'm not sure I am a fan.

Yeah I know how silly that all sounds.

-- 
Bob La Londe
CNC Molds N Stuff
----------------------------------

If you are set on splicing you might splice the ends of a "grommet" within 
the rope.

A variant of the Prusik knot can be tied in the middle of a rope to add a 
loop. It looks somewhat like the Alpine Butterfly, with more turns around 
the rope on either side of the loop.

This calls it a dropper knot.
https://www.animatedknots.com/dropper-loop-knot

A figure eight loop might be better since your two ends are angled instead 
of pulled straight.

If you want to impress someone you could pre-mark the center of the sling 
with tape and tie it to the single tow line with a Carrick Bend.

My favorite how'd-he-do-that? is dropping a clove hitch over a bollard in 
one smooth quick motion by grabbing the line with arms crossed.