Ratlines

Ratlines: The Never-Ending Debate

Is there a "holy grail" for ratlines? If so, who’s found it?
Every ship I’ve worked on has its own way of rigging ratlines, and redoing them often sparks debate. There are pros and cons to almost every method, and preferences vary widely.

I've included a gallery with examples of both well-executed and less successful setups—plus explanations for why they work (or don’t).

A Few Tips and Tricks

• Pre-stretch your rope before installing the ratlines. This prevents sagging when climbed. You can also order pre-stretched rope, but be aware that it’s harder to splice.

• Use temporary footboards: When installing an entirely new set of ratlines, lash a temporary board every 4–5 ratlines to stand on. This keeps the shrouds evenly tensioned, avoiding a "bottleneck" or twisted look. Bonus: your feet get a break from standing on thin rope.

• Keep the spacing consistent: Choose a distance between 31 and 37 cm between ratlines—this range is generally best for safe and comfortable climbing. Once you’ve picked your spacing, measure along the shroud most parallel to the mast to keep each step the correct height and ensure everything stays level.

• Level the ratlines using the horizon or nearby structures. If the ship is in the water, even a long spirit level can do the trick.

• Knot consistency: The clove hitch is the most common knot used between multiple ratlines. Whichever knot you use, make sure they all face the same direction—it looks neater and performs better.

• Served shrouds are a big plus: Serving the shrouds (wrapping them in protective twine) improves climbing comfort and reduces slippage of ratlines.

✓

Splice on one side and a way to seize the eye on the shrouds

✓

Tail half itch around the shrouds and seized on top, all Clove hitches in the same direction

X Easy to Slide and get slack

Rolling hitch with Tail seized onto the ratline

X

Tiny Seizing to Secure the Tail onto the Ratline, getting stepped on, traps the feet while climbing, easy to slip

✓

Eyes seized onto the shrouds, not very bulky, not in the way, load tested

Fastening Methods

There are as many ways to fasten ratline tails as there are ships at sea—each with its own logic and loyal following. Personally, I prefer tried-and-tested, load-rated methods. That said, sometimes it’s more important to respect the ship’s established style than to insist on what I think is best. A mismatch of ratline styles can look sloppy.

• Rope thickness: 14 mm is a good starting point for ratlines, with chunkier rope suitable for the lower shrouds.

• Lashing material: Avoid very thin rope. For durability and efficiency, I recommend 4 mm rope—or whatever suits your ship's setup.

My Personal Preference

Here’s the setup I trust and recommend:

• One end of the ratline is spliced and lashed onto the shroud. This creates a strong, clean, and reliable connection. It's easy to inspect for wear and won’t slip. (how you seize the eye to the shroud is already a first debate)

• The other end is fastened with a half hitch around the shroud and itself, then seized tightly to the shroud. The seizing should be so firm that the frapping turns can’t be moved by hand