ROPE
What is FSE Spunflex©?
Affectionately referred to as the "rope for old boats" because of the natural hemp color, FSE Spunflex© (formerly Roblon) is made of fibrillated polypropylene film yarns. It is a flexible and versatile 3 strand rope, UV stabilized and resistant to acids, alkalis and sunlight resulting in excellent durability and strength, having more than twice the life of natural fibers. And ".....it floats."
Also available in synthetic marline sizes 2.2 millimeter, 3.0mm and 4.0mm. Stronger, while preserving the appearance of natural fiber marline, with all of the properties of FSE Spunflex© rope.
FSE Spunflex© was originally developed by Roblon of Denmark for training vessels. It's now manufactured by Teufelberer of Austria and is sold exclusively in North America by Allen C. Rawl, LLC.
Why use FSE Spunflex©?
Traditional Rigging of a Ship
FSE Spunflex© was originally designed for use as running rigging on training vessels, that seriously work. However, the technology is not lost on the vessel that spends more time dockside such as museum vessels and living history classrooms. Under such conditions, constant exposure to the harsh sunlight can play havoc with ordinary line.
After more than two decades of use under every type of condition,
FSE Spunflex© leads
the industry in performance - without exception!
Sail Construction
FSE Spunflex© is also an excellent material
when employed by sail makers for fabricating
bolt ropes, boom and mast lacing, and robands.
Who uses FSE Spunflex©?
Below is an abbreviated list of significant traditional vessels using FSE Spunflex© (formerly Roblon). Some of these vessels have used FSE Spunflex© since the early 1980's. Customer loyalty to this product is testimony to its reliability and long-term cost effectiveness. We consider this fact the bst possible product endorsement. The following vessels are joined by the smaller traditional boat owners, too numerous to mention.
| Alcyone | Topsail Schooner | Capt. John "Sugar" Flanagan, Port Townsend, WA |
Charter boat |
| Bluenose II Preservation Trust | Gaff Topsail Schooner | Bluenose II Preservation Trust, Nova Scotia |
Training |
| U.S.C.G. Eagle | USC GBargue, 3-masted | USCG Academy, New London, CT | Training Vessel |
| Elizabeth II | Barque, 3-masted | Roanoke Festival Park, VA | Living History Museum |
| Ernistina | Gaff Topsail Schooner | New Bedford, MA | Marine Science Education |
| Federalist | Miniature Ship | Maryland State Capitol, Annapolis, MD |
Education |
| Half Moon | Ship. 3-masted | Croton-on-Hudson, NY, Education | Sail Training |
| Irving Johnson & Exy Johnson | Brigantines | San Pedro, CA | Training, Education |
| Kalmar Nyckel | Ship Rigged Pinnace, 3-masted | Wilmington DE | Sail Training, Education |
| Lady Maryland | Pungy Schooner | Baltimore, MD | Training, Environmental Classroom |
| Lorinda | "Junk-rigged" Schooner | Marston Mill, MA | Private Yacht |
| Martha Lewis | Skipjack | Havre, de Grace, MD | Environmental Classroom |
| Maryland Dove | Pinnace | St. Mary's City, MD | Living History Museum |
| Pilgrim | Snow Brig | Dana Point, CA | Education vessel |
| Pride II | Square Topsail Schooner | Baltimore, MD | Sail Training, Goodwill Ambassador |
| Sultana | Square Topsail Schooner | Chestertown, MD | School Ship |
| Susan Constant | Barque | Jamestown Settlement, |
Living History Museum, Sail Training |
| Godspeed | Pinnace | Jamestown Settlement, Jamestown, VA |
Living History Museum, Sail Training |
| Discovery | Pinnace | Jamestown Settlement, Jamestown, VA |
Living History Museum, Sail Training |
| USS Constellation | Ship, Sloop of War | Baltimore, MD | Naval History Museum |
| USS Constitution | Ship, 44-gun Frigate | Boston, MA | National Historical Landmark |
Customer Endorsement:
Preparing for a two year journey throughout the South Pacific on his Topsail Schooner, Alcyone, Captain John "Sugar" Flanagan will be counting on FSE Spunflex© to perform reliably in all kinds of sailing conditions. Captain Flanagan's business is chartering and he sails with his family aboard. He doesn't take unnecessary chances and he believes in the product. "I've been abusing [Spunflex©] since 1989 on the Alcyone and I was there when the Pride of Baltimore was re-rigged with ROBLON before that. It is very durable and I work it hard. It is easy to splice and has a nice hand which just gets better as it ages a bit." - Capt. "Sugar" Flanagan
Availability
Good news for the small craft owner: 6-12mm FSE Spunflex© is now available by the foot (minimum length 50'). All other sizes are sold by the spool or coil only. Most rope is available for immediate delivery. Sizes above 32mm rope are available by special order with a normal dleivery time of 12-16 weeks. For information regarding ordering and shipping click on "How to Order". A Price List is available upon request and all prices are FOB Bradshaw, Maryland 21087, USA
Technical Specifications
E-Mail: Allen Rawl or Liz Rawl