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I'm curious about 1 cable = 200 yards. As far as I can find out, it's close, but not exact.

It seems that 1 cable is 1/10 of a nautical mile. This (it also appears) has varied a bit, but currently is 6080 ft; hence a cable is 608 ft. (202 and a bit yards)

Am I missing something?

Hi Chris (I was hoping Aristo would come to play as it is a slightly different measurement in the states.)

http://www.factmonster.com/ipka/A0769559.html

Cable length 600 ft = 200 yards.

Chambers gives it as "approx 183m (200 yards)".
It is exactly 600.393701 feet but I suppose if you're hauling rope the odd 4 and a half inches over 200yds isn't going to trouble you much.

Thanks imagcq and AB - I accept "about" 200 yards!

Chris it's 240 yards US

I hope you enjoy the clips

Ps No1 was for you (hope you liked it) as 3 was for Ginge!

Cheers!

Chris, hope you didn't reject "cable" from a proposed solution as you thought it was "only about 200 yards". Chambers gives it as just "200 yards".

My dictionary says 'nautical unit of measurement (100 -120 fathoms).
I work that out as 600 -720 feet ie 200 - 240 yards. Quite a large range!

Sorry Imagcq, I forgot to say thank you for the challenge. I wish I'd had more time today but I've enjoyed reading the answers.

Rossim thanks for your input but if you look at the link i provided

http://www.factmonster.com/ipka/A0769559.html

It gives my answer! As Compiler I can prove my case. And am therefore judge and jury.

Point 2 Follow my thread regarding Aristo.

Don't worry AB - I was nowhere near seeing that one.

I did kick myself for not seeing TREE FERN, imagcq!

The consensus seems to be 608ft. See for instance
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cable_length