Did the same thing on our boat but used indelible markers in red, blue and green. Also, the Good windlass company sells their 9/16 line already color coded and is reversible regarding this coding so as line ages it can simply be reversed. Paul Schlechter Currently boatless but always looking http:mysite.verizon.net/resok538 --------------------------------- Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now.