USCG Exam Practice · Knots, Bends, and Hitches
Nylon is the most common material used for dock and anchor lines primarily because of which characteristic?
- AIt floats on the water surface, reducing the risk of fouling the propeller
- BIt is resistant to UV degradation better than any other synthetic line
- CIt provides high strength and excellent shock absorption✓ correct
- DIt retains full rated strength when wet
Why C is correct
The Boatswain's Mate Manual identifies nylon as the most common dock and anchor line due to its high strength and excellent shock absorption. Floating is a characteristic of polypropylene, not nylon, and nylon actually loses approximately 10–15% of its strength when wet.
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