Create General topic Chafing caused by Bungee Snubbers I have been using those Bungee Snubbers (I think that’s what they are called) to mitigate the shock on my sheet when tacking or jibing. They are easy to install and I’ve found that four of them strung along the first few feet of the sheet work wonders. But the last time I was on the boat I noticed that they are really chafing the line badly. I was going to replace the sheet soon, anyway, but now it is a much higher priority. And I’m probably going to need to replace the Bungee Snubbers with something else. So questions: I know that others have used those rubber mooring shock absorbers. I avoided those the first time around because of the increased hassle of installing them. But that’s minor compared to the hassle of replacing the whole sheet. Has anyone used both these and the Bungee Snubbers? And if so, which did you prefer? If I do use one of these mooring line absorbers, how many wraps should I take for best effect? Is it possible to use some sort of chafing gear on the first few feet of the sheet and continue to use the Bungee Snubbers? I don’t know about this one, though. It would be quite a hassle replacing the chafing gear when it inevitably wears out. Is there some other method (other than awesome seamanship - which would be someone else) that I should consider? I am posting this directly to the Discourse group. It is my understanding that it will also be distributed to the GG email group. We’ll see how that works out… Thanks,

I have using one of these for years with no issues [image] Sea Dog Mooring Snubber Sea Dog Mooring Snubbers is made of rubber and is excellent at keeping the tension off of your mooring or dock lines from wind, surf, or any other sudden pulls it may experience. Wholesale Marine has Sea Dog Mooring Snubbers and more at low prices! Average Rating: 5 Price: USD 27.15 Peter Farley Knot in a hurry u30 #328 Keyport nj

On Feb 12, 2025, at 9:03 PM, Brian M. Godfrey brian@wildbirdshop.com wrote: Yeah, that’s the kind I was asking about. How many wraps do you take around it to get the best effect? Do you really feel it working if your tack or jibe goes a little hard? These are the kind I have: BUNGY® Mooring Compensator – Sail Care They were discussed at length in a previous thread. Anyone who uses them might want to check the line for chafing. –Brian M. Godfrey Vela, NS33, San Diego brian@wildbirdshop.com

I have 5 wraps around the snubber between the two end points. I use a 1/2 one. Probably stiffer than what you are using. In 15 knots of wind it flexes in and out about 1 inch while ride the waves. I have had 2 accidental gybes. Stretches about 4 inches. It is heavy so it will hold the line down in light wind. Peter Farley Knot in a hurry u30 #328 Keyport nj

I use a Seadog one, gybe all the time and have no problems with unusual wear. [NS30U Snubber 001] [NS30U Snubber002] Joe Valinoti S/V iL Gatto NS30U #221 Sea Harbour YC Oriental, NC USA

Brian, I’ve used both bungee snubbers and traditional mooring snubbers and have not observed chafing problems with either. I sail in relatively similar conditions (Marina del Rey just north of Los Angeles Airport rather than San Diego), and sail with relatively similar frequency. I’d be interested in seeing a close-up picture of the chafed line and snubber. Could it be that either the mainsheet’s very old or that the snubbers are? If the snubber rubber (try saying that ten times quickly) has hardened, I could see how that might cause chafe. – Bob Neches Me Gusta Nonsuch e26U #233

The snubbers are less than 2 years old. If they harden that fast, then that’s a whole different problem. The sheet is probably ancient with lots of UV exposure. It’s getting fuzzy, so I guess the outer layer is breaking down even without the snubbers. I will replace it soon. The winds aren’t expected to be very strong on Saturday so I think it will be fine for our sail. I will be at the boat tomorrow through Sunday and will try to get a photo to post. Brian Godfrey Vela, NS33, San Diego

Maybe just mind the sheet as you tack or gybe, seems like these solutions are simply to releave the sailor of the smallest amount of seamanship. Colle.

Well I wasn’t born a master mariner and I probably will never become one with such a late start in life. In addition, this boat is so easy to sail that I usually let others take the helm off and on. They enjoy it and it gives my back a rest. My sail is about the same size as some 50+ foot boats around here and so a bit of poor timing or less than perfect attention leads to quite a bang. I’d rather not break things while I’m coming up on the learning curve. So I’ll be sticking to one or the other style of snubber. Meanwhile, I really liked your lifelines. Where did you get the fittings you used at the gates? Brian Godfrey Vela, NS33, San Diego

As I don’t think I’ll be putting a snubber on the main sheet I have fond them useful in other places (besides on anchor or dock lines). When running deep angled down wind or in chop that causes the wishbone to bounce a line with a snubber either through the stern or midship fairlead and cleated off can do wonders. In higher winds just think (and trim) the main as a symmetrical spinnaker that’s poled out and the added line is just the foreguy. I find this works really well and can allow Hippō sail comfortably at 145deg or so even in wind and sea state that would prevent it. A line to the the midship fairlead if ground on hard will actually prevent a gybe and has been the only effective preventer I’ve found on our boats as the mast is to far forward, rigging any thing to the bow isn’t very useful. Thanks again, Colle [IMG_9074]

Also,I forgot the life line fitting are Colligo marine terminator 3-6mm from Vela Sailing, C.S. Johnson splice line end fittings from Defender marine, and 1/4 inch Samson Amsteal. I did all the spicing and the install. They stretched a bit as they settled in and needed a bit of adjustment. given the wear I think it will be a 3 year lifespan for the Amsteal (I’ll reuse the hardware of course) I did them in 2022 and they are about due to be redone. Thanks again, Colle.

Chafing caused by Bungee Snubbers

General

Vela33 (Brian Godfrey - NS33 #77 - Vela - San Diego) March 5, 2025, 4:53am 23

I replaced my sun damaged sheet and put some Technora (or something similar made from braided Dyneema over the first couple of feet, then put on the snubbers. Seems like it should work well. Photo below.

Brian

Discourse Update

Topic		Replies	Views
Chafing caused by Bungee Snubbers Newsgroups Archive Prior to 2025	11	77	February 22, 2025
bungee snubber Newsgroups Archive Prior to 2025	32	202	February 17, 2023
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Chafing caused by Bungee Snubbers

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