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09/21/2020 09:42PM  
It is my understanding that Canadian boating regulations require that people carry PFDs, a bailer, a signaling device (whistle) and 15 meters (50 ft) of floating rope. Someone correct me if I got that wrong.

A few years ago I bought some inexpensive twisted polypropylene floating rope and bring it on trips. Besides meeting the regulations, I also use it for ridge lines for putting up tarps and clothes lines. However, it is terrible rope. I have seen a variety of different types of braided polypropylene rope that floats. Are the braided polypropylene ropes better than the twisted rope? If so, what kind and braiding pattern works best? Are there rope materials other than polypropylene that float?
 
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09/21/2020 10:44PM  
I believe Amsteel floats. I wouldn’t get less than 3/16” for a rope you might use for any type of rescue.
 
09/22/2020 02:05AM  
I bought some braided polypro derby rope a few years ago (links below). I like it a lot for bow and stern lines on my canoe. It floats, and it's nice and smooth and pliable, unlike that stiff, rough, yellow stuff you find in most stores.

This is what I bought
(looks like there isn't much in stock at the moment though, except 1/4 inch in red)

Here's another source with more in stock
 
Cedarboy
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09/22/2020 08:48AM  
Google "water rescue rope"
CB
 
apk
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09/22/2020 11:48AM  
This is very nice floating rope. It is not cheap, though. Made in USA.
https://www.nrs.com/product/1849/sterling-ultraline-water-rescue-rope-14
 
gymcoachdon
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09/22/2020 12:39PM  
You should double check the regulations yourself, but when I was planning my first canoe trip in Canada I read the same regulations. Upon further research, I found that boats from another country on a temporary basis did not need to meet those regulations. I do have 25 ft of floating line as painters front and rear, but do not carry a 50 ft floating throwing line.
 
mschi772
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09/22/2020 05:45PM  
Polypropylene rope/cordage is great because it is super cheap, and it floats. The downsides, however, are crappy feel/hand, and relatively quick degradation due to UV damage. It is a tool in the toolbox, but I generally only use it for quick & temporary needs usually regarding its buoyancy for lines that I'll use around water or as a short floating leash for a dog I may need to gain control of quickly around water.

UHMWPE cordage (Dyneema/Amsteel/Spectra) also floats and performs excellently in many ways.

The NRS rope linked above is UHMWPE with a PP sheath.

Whether you use PP or UHMWPE, either one's lifespan if exposed to the sun regularly can be extended with regular cleaning and wipe-downs with a product like 303 Aerospace Protectant which will protected the fibers against UV damage for some time, though that protection may only last one trip especially if the rope is regularly submerged/rinsed with water.
 
09/24/2020 12:24AM  
When I posted this question my immediate concern was getting some better rope for everyday use around camp (not rescues). However, I was hoping to get rope the would do both. As I searched around I found a product called a North Water 4-Bailer. It is a combination floating throw rope/bag, whistle and bailer. This product checks a lot of the boating regulation boxes in a compact package. So, I decided to get one. Now I should never have to explain that the rope and cook pot in the bottom of my pack are actually my rescue rope and bailer or that I left my rescue rope at camp to hold up a tarp when I decided to go fishing. Now I can get rid of that awful 3 strand twisted polyproylene rope. I'll have to replace it with something else, but I won't have to worry about whether it floats or not.
 
Amcneily
  
09/24/2020 05:35PM  
Check out the rescue bags/throw ropes they make for stand-up paddle boarders. Lightweight, compact, easy to deploy and they float.
I have used the more heavy duty versions of this in whitewater for years. No boat is without it. You never know when you will need to tow someone to shore (or be towed).
Being a throw bag, they are designed to throw a rope - like over a tree limb. But they work well for hanging tarps or drying clothes.
 
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