Vehicle recovery straps

[Fixer]

I'm thinking of using vehicle recovery straps to form an anchor bridal. Any input from the group would be appreciated.

[UNCIVILIZED]

What would be the advantage over using rope? And how would, or could you adjust their length? Which also creates the question, how would you attach them both to the boat, & to your anchor rode?

[StuM]

Webbing or braided nylon?

My concern would be that they are generally very high stretch nylon. Good for a single "snatch" at a bogged vehicle, but I don't like the idea of the constant cycling that would be experienced in an anchor bridle.

[John Holbrook]

I doubt they would stretch at all until you got a 2000lb load on it. They generally aren't UV proof and are less effect when wet. When you do get a load on them the elastic bounce could rip of cleats. People have been killed by flying tow balls (don't loop your recovery strap over your tow ball but you can read all about that on a 4WD forum)

[Fixer]

Thank you for the insight. I see your point about the straps being too "stretchy" and perhaps ripping out the cleats.

[a64pilot]

No, they would work fine I think. Except the part about not being UV protected, which is likely I think cause under intended use, they have no need for UV protection.

[Cotemar]

A lot of cruisers use the Rubber Snubbers on their bridals.

They last years and are not bothered by UV.

They remove any snatch loads from wind and waves.

[zeehag]

rubber snubbers break. yup.break. i use 3 strand rolling hitched around my chain. in a BRIDLE.
using a bridAL might be a little hard on the woman being married

[John Holbrook]

Snatch straps are deadly when they break. The rule is if the strap is 20m long stand 30m back. I think they would be way too stiff to serve as a snubber on a boat anyhow.

https://youtu.be/M0-p_o91f7Y

Ripping off cleats? If you could get them to stretch then it's a possabilty. Snatch straps have ripped off towballs and killed people.

https://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/mo...-danger/#page1

Ive have Nissan Patrol and have done and received snatch strap recoveries perhaps 20 times. I'm very greatful to have received recovery training via my club.

Cotemar's post is the way to go.

[a64pilot]

Recovery straps take thousands of pounds of pull to break. I can't imagine that kind of force when anchored, especially if we are talking two straps. Lack of knowledge of UV protection is why I wouldn't though.
My bridle is just two pieces of 25' nylon three strand dockline and works fine. I have two stretch section for my docklines that allow me to tighten the lines well and they stay tight when the tide changes, I can see maybe where they may ease any snatch if you have any in an anchor bridle, they stretch about two maybe three ft.

[John Holbrook]

Also takes thousands of pounds to get them to stretch - so useless for most boats.

[John Holbrook]

How about a hydraulic snubber? Sits under the water and fills with water, when tension is applied the seawater is squeezed out of small holes. Hmmm any investors here?