No, they are not tarred though there is a tar content in the lines. Victory has natural ratlines, the Surprise at San Diego has black!! Your chosen colour is a matter of preference. Split the difference? A plain hemp line can look fairly dark. I think the important thing is to make sure it doesn't appear too 'white' in photos of your build, a realistic dirty grey brown would look better.Are ratlines tarred? I tried tan cord but it didn't stand out and sort of disappeared. I can't imagine they would be tarred since in hot climes the sailor's feet would make a mess on the deck. Johnl
Thanks Bob, I like the idea of dirty grey JohnlNo, they are not tarred though there is a tar content in the lines. Victory has natural ratlines, the Surprise at San Diego has black!! Your chosen colour is a matter of preference. Split the difference? A plain hemp line can look fairly dark. I think the important thing is to make sure it doesn't appear too 'white' in photos of your build, a realistic dirty grey brown would look better.
Thanks for the feedback Rick. I like Bob's idea of dirty grey. JohnlI use light tan for ratlines, & I've read they were not tarred, although shroud lines were.
Rick1011
That's because the crews had dirty feet!Thanks for the feedback Rick. I like Bob's idea of dirty grey. Johnl
Not too sure about that mate? I can't imagine holystoning a deck every morning and then leaving mucky footprints over the deck without the captain getting a bit shirty!? On a royal navy ship anyway (American ships were pretty dirty compared to ours!!) (Takes cover, awaits incoming!)That's because the crews had dirty feet!
AND< I still get the odd one wrong!!Whatever, they give plenty of practice in tying clove hitches!
Hallo @johnlAre ratlines tarred? I tried tan cord but it didn't stand out and sort of disappeared. I can't imagine they would be tarred since in hot climes the sailor's feet would make a mess on the deck. Johnl