What Causes New 3 x Stand Nylon Rope To Go Stiff?

[BlowingOldBoots]

I bought about 50m of 3 x strand, 15mm nylon rope as a kedge warp. It was new, nice and sift, coiled easily, and dropped into my lazaret. About 2 years later I took it out and it is as stiff as aboard, as if it was starched. The lazaret isa bit grubby, gets wet, gets dry (it drains), is dark. The rope sat coiled on the bottom with the fenders being placed on top and the mooring lines when sailing. It has also taken on a very slight yellowish taint.

My two long warps, blue, multi plait, nylon are as floppy as a rabbits ears.

Any ideas? Also is it recoverable, say by washing in fresh water? Any experiences of stiff lines softening? I have 4 very old mooring warps, all nylon, I expect then to be stiff when they dry out, which they are, but not when new.

I should add, unused from new, stored since new.

[brook]

Your nylon rope has likely stiffened due to prolonged storage in a damp, dark lazaret, where exposure to moisture, dirt, and temperature changes can affect the rope’s flexibility over time. The yellowish tint and board-like stiffness suggest possible salt buildup or mild contamination, which is not uncommon in marine environments. Washing the rope thoroughly in fresh water may help recover some of its original suppleness, especially if salt or grime is the cause. Soaking and gently agitating the rope, possibly with a mild detergent, can be effective, but always test a small section first. Compared to multi-plait lines, 3-strand nylon tends to stiffen more noticeably with age and environmental exposure. For better durability and expert advice, sourcing high-quality products from trusted nylon rope suppliers in UAE can make a significant difference in performance and longevity.

[Bodach na mara]

Two and a half years to get an answer to the question must be some kind of a record!