For any seafarer splicing rope is an essential skill. But the traditional 3-strand rope is fast disappearing. So how do you splice braided rope?

This is the definitive guide to this crucial skill. Most of the techniques are quite easy to master – and also fun to do. See why splices are better – and stronger – than knots or shackles for joining or shortening rope and follow the step-by-step photographs and clear instructions to find out how to splice efficiently.

Learn how to

• make strong, reliable splices in braided rope
• select ropes in the materials that best suit your on-board requirements
• customise your ropes to make your setup easier and safer
• optimise your deck layout and save weight on board
• taper your sheets for ease of handling
• splice an extra cover on your ropes to give better grip in clutches, avoid chafe and make them last longer

While a knot can reduce the strength of a rope by as much as 50%, a well-spliced rope loses only 5–10%. The techniques, insights and suggestions within these pages will be invaluable to all boaters, whether recreational or commercial.

Edition: 2016