What type of line should I be using.

[Captain Grandpa]

I am in the process of refitting my first boat. She sits on her trailer while I endlessly clean and polish tackle, rebuild winches, and hopefully put her back together. Knowing that I need to protect her from the sun and elements, I fabricated a cover out of plastic tarps. My problem is when the wind kicks up the line rubs back and forth. They leave a horrid black mark on her hull. I am sure I can buff it out but how do I protect against it? I have looked online and all the articles I found about chafing were for protecting the rope. Im sure if I use the right line my problem will be solved. So I ask, what is the right type of line?

[Benz]

Almost any line that is not black. Try a white nylon line. It may be possible to lash the taps so that they don't flap: that's the ideal scenario.

[Captain Grandpa]

The line I am using is white. I went out and bought some cheap clothesline. Seemed ok for such a mundane task. Then I saw those big black marks on my precious. Nylon you say? I will try that.

[Cheechako]

It's likely dust and dirt transferrring from the line to the boat... not sure what else it could be.

[David M]

White nylon is good because it is stretchy and relatively abrasion resistant. Cotton will probably be rotted out in a few years.