Rope made from hemp is durable and rugged. The diameter of hemp rope varied, from as small as 0.25 inches (0.64 centimeters) to more than 3 inches (7.6 centimeters). Hemp rope with large diameters was commonly used aboard ships. Hemp rope was heavy. A 50 feet (15 meters) length of hemp rope could weight up to 20 pounds (9.1 kilograms). However, a 50 feet (15 meters) length of hemp rope could hold over 500 pounds (230 kilograms) in weight.