Why Ropes Break – and What You Can Do About It

Anchoring and mooring seem simple. But every season, hundreds of ropes snap—often due to unseen forces. Here, we'll explain what's happening, and how a good bungee can make all the difference.

The Jerks You Don’t See – But That Cause Damage

When the boat is anchored or docked, it may look calm. But even small waves and gusts of wind create sudden jerks on the rope. Each time the boat moves back and forth, the rope bears the entire load at once. This is wearing.

A regular rope is not designed to stretch. This means all forces go directly into the knot, shackles—and eventually the rope itself.

What Happens When Ropes Snap?

• Knot becomes loose or tightens permanently

• Rope wears down at anchor point or cleats

• Constant load weakens the fibers over time

• Sudden jerks can cause breakage – especially with older ropes

This is particularly true in harbors with movement, or when you are anchoring in light wind and waves. Many think the rope snaps because it's old—but often the jerks are the cause.

The Solution: Cushion the Load Before It Happens

An elastic bungee between the boat and the rope acts as a shock absorber. It absorbs the jerks and distributes the force evenly over time. The result:

• Less wear and tear

• More comfort

• Longer lifespan for ropes and attachments

• Better control—even when boarding

That’s Why We Made SeaBungee Pro

We’ve felt the jerks ourselves. We’ve seen ropes snap. That’s why we developed SeaBungee Pro—a robust and adjustable bungee that handles tough conditions, tides, and boating life in Norway.

With built-in adjustment and the possibility for extra bungees, you can customize the load to the boat type and conditions.

In Summary

• A regular rope cannot withstand sudden jerks over time.

• A good bungee extends the life of the rope and provides safer anchoring and mooring.

• SeaBungee Pro is made for exactly this—tested and developed in Norway.

Do you want more control and less stress on the boat?

👉Learn more about SeaBungee Pro and secure yours before the launch.