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The 6 Best Dock Lines (and Boat Springs) for Securing Vessels

MaOne of the most essential elements of any boat is the quality of the dock lines . They stop your prized possession from drifting away from the jetty and into the great beyond.

A good dock line will keep your vessel secure in all weathers and will last no matter what the elements have to throw at them.

So, if you're looking to upgrade your dock lines or are simply trying to make the right choice, look no further and read this article to get the lowdown on the best dock and mooring lines for boats.

How to Choose the Best Dock Line for Your Boat

Choosing the right dock line comes down to four elements: the size of your boat, the thickness of the rope, the length of the rope and the configuration you use when docking.

Once you've established these four things, you can be sure that you have chosen the best dock line for your boat.

Boat Size vs. Rope Thickness

The general rule of thumb for choosing the best size mooring line is roughly 1/8 of an inch in diameter for every 9 feet of length . For smaller craft, this is an easy decision.

There aren't any rules that state you can't have a dock line that's twice the required thickness. After all, whatever happens, it isn't going to snap.

In relation to rope thickness, here's a basic rule of length and weight to consider:

• Boats 19.5 - 33 feet - 2,200 - 20K pounds | 10 - 14 mm thick
• Boats 39.5 - 59 feet - 28 - 55K pounds | 16 - 20 mm thick
• Boats over 59 feet - 55K pounds | 24 mm thick

How Long Should My Dock Line Be?

It's generally accepted that you should keep four lines on your boat : two the same length as your boat and two lines at 2/3s the length of your boat.

For example, if you have a 26-foot vessel, you should have two 26-foot dock lines and another two at roughly 17 feet in length.

Let's Talk Dock Line Configurations and Springs

There are many ways to configure your dock lines to secure your craft and spread the load apportioned to each rope. But here I'll share the most common.

Referred to as springs, they act as a damper to a boat's forward and backward motion as it moves against waves or passing vessels. A good spring enables the load placed on the dock line to spread the weight and movement, preventing the boat from clattering violently back and forth or hitting the dock sides.

Take a look at the several springs you could deploy:

• After Quarter Spring - This is where the dock line is fed from the stern of the boat, in an outward direction away from the vessel at roughly 45 degrees.
• Quarter Breast   Spring  - These lines run at right angles to the dock cleats.
• Forward Quarter Spring  - This is where a dock line is fed from the stern and secured to a cleat located in the center of the pontoon. Again, the rope is at a 45-degree angle.
• After Bow Spring  - This is the reverse of the Forward Quarter Spring, with the dock line reaching from the bow at 45 degrees, and meeting in the center of the vessel.
• Forward Breast Spring  - This is the same as the Quarter Breast Spring but tied from the bow of the boat at a right angle.
• Forward Spring  - A rope is tied at a 45-degree angle, heading away from the boat.

Springs are important, but you wouldn't want to employ all of these at the same time. Not only would it be time-consuming, but it would also be completely pointless and considered overkill.

You should tie one at the bow and stern, and then use a Quarter Spring both fore and aft.

The Important Cleat Hitch

The cleat hitch is widely accepted as the best knot to secure your boat to a jetty or mooring where there are cleats . It's one of the easiest knots to tie, but far from simple if you want to get it right. Done properly, it would take a minor disaster for your vessel to become unhitched.

Pass the line entirely around the base of the cleat under the horns. Then, make a figure-eight over the left and right horn. To secure, turn the rope under itself to make a half hitch.

You should not require any further winding or looping as it does nothing to improve the effectiveness of the knot. In fact, should you need to cast off in an emergency, you run the risk of making it harder to unhitch with over-complicated twists. Just leave it as it is in its own simple and elegant state.

Best Rope Material

• Nylon  - This is by far the best choice for dock line as it's relatively cheap compared to other types, is elastic enough to absorb the weight and movement of your boat and is UV resistant. All in all, if you want excellent shock absorbency, choose nylon.
• Polypropylene  - This dock line is the cheapest of them all, and it shows. It does have attributes. It floats, for one thing, making it ideal should you need to retrieve it from the water. It does offer some UV resistance. However, it doesn't last as long as nylon and lacks the elasticity needed to absorb all that movement. Polypropylene is a great alternative if you're looking for the cheapest option, but it could be a false economy.

The 6 Best Dock Lines for Securing Vessels

It comes as no surprise that the best dock and mooring lines I have featured are all nylon, given its popularity and reasonable cost. It's also the material I prefer for my dock lines.

Through this list, I'll demonstrate that nylon dock lines don't have to break the bank. Although more expensive varieties are available, I have divided the ropes into budget and premium sections.

Editor's Choice

  Check Price on Amazon - Made of marine-grade double-braided nylon, Better Boat Dock Lines have a working load of 950 lbs and a b reaking strength of 4,939 lbs.

These 1/2 inch dock lines are 25 feet long and have a 12-inch heat-treated eyelet at the end. Superior shock absorption and elasticity keep boats secure in high winds and rough waters. You can even use it to hang boat fenders  or for tent tie-downs while camping.

This dock line falls nicely between a budget and premium dock line in price, so it's really a win/win as far as quality, price, strength and durability go. 

• Material: Nylon
• Thickness Range: 1/2 inch
• Length Range: 25 ft

Runner Up Dock Lines

Shoreline Double-Braided Nylon Dock Line

Check price on Amazon Shoreline dock lines are available in four colors: black, blue, gold and white. Without kinking or rotating under pressure, they have a dedicated loop on one end and a straight end on the other. This lets you decide what configuration you want to use when tying the boat to the dock.

Soft to the touch, these lines won't rub or scrape your boat. And because they're double-braided Nylon, they're super-strong with a load capacity of 1,140 pounds and a tensile breaking load of 5,700 pounds . That's enough to weather heavy conditions .

• Material : Nylon
• Thickness Range : 1/2 - 3/8 in
• Length Range : 15 - 25 ft

Crown Sporting Goods Double-Braided Dock Line

These Crown lines are available in black, blue, red and white, making them easily visible as they match your vessel's color combinations.

This rope is available in a 3/8-inch diameter and a length of 15 feet , which means it's ideal for a boat of a maximum size of 25 feet .

The double-braided Nylon construction can withstand load pressures of up 3,200 pounds and is also UV, abrasion and mildew resistant .

I like this rope, especially for docking smaller craft .

• Thickness Range : 3/8 in
• Length Range : 25 ft

Seachoice Nylon Dock Line

This Seachoice range is available in eight color combinations , ranging from vibrant red to black.

It's been designed to absorb dynamic shock loads , spreading the load's distribution through elasticity. It's mildew and mold resistant and comfortable on the hands.

This line has a working load capacity of 800 pounds with a maximum tensile load of 4,000 pounds , making it capable of securing a vessel of around 4,400 pounds.

• Thickness Range : 1/2 - 5/8 in
• Length Range : 20 - 35 ft

Amarine Made Nylon Dock Line

These Amarine lines are available in black, blue, white and a white/gold combo and have a load capacity of 968 pounds with a breaking capacity of 4,840 pounds .

This line is resistant to chemicals , acids, saltwater and UV rays, making it an ideal line for securing small to medium-size vessels .

• Thickness Range : 1/2 in

Premium Dock Lines

SeaSense Double-Braided Dock Line

This SeaSense dock line is intended for use with vessels that are at the lighter end of the spectrum (think: dinghy or small fishing boat). It has a 410-pound load capacity with a breaking strength of 3,900 pounds .

The eyelet is 10 inches in diameter. T his rope offers the elasticity that all good nylon ropes should have.

It comes in black, blue and a gold sheened white, making the springs and lines easily visible in poor conditions .

Because it's inexpensive compared to other lines, it may be the ideal choice for beginner boaters .

• Length : 15 - 25 ft

Norestar Double-Braided Dock Line

Norestar lines are extremely robust and have a high breaking strength. The 1/2-inch diameter rope has a breaking load pressure of 8,300 pounds , while the 3/4-inch thickness has a tensile load capacity of 19,100 pounds . That means it will hold a vessel of over 18,000 pounds!  

These dock lines are also abrasion-proof and UV resistant, so they should withstand the elements. 

• Length Range : 15 - 50 ft

Final Thoughts

Never underestimate the importance of a good quality dock line . It's one of the most important tools any boater can have.

Choose a cheap dock line at your peril, especially if you leave your boat docked for the winter when the weather is at its worst.

In addition, consider the boat docking or mooring line's best working capacity, maximum breaking strength and shock-absorbing qualities.

Once you have all this checked, make sure that you remember the rule about 1/8th of an inch in diameter for every 9 feet of boat length , and you won't go wrong.

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SECURING YOUR VESSEL: A GUIDE TO CHOOSING MOORING LINES

Mooring lines  are the unsung heroes of boating, silently ensuring your vessel stays safely secured when docked or anchored. But with an array of materials, thicknesses and lengths available, selecting the right ropes can be daunting. Here, we explain the crucial factors to consider when choosing mooring lines for your boat. 

Marlow Ropes has been the leading rope brand in the yachting industry for over fifty years, with a heritage in rope making going back over 200 years.

“Historically, we’ve found that mooring lines are the most over-looked ropes on any yacht. This is something we’ve always found baffling, especially when you consider that these are the most important ropes for securing your beloved boat. Sailors and boat owners often look at price first when buying mooring lines, which results in low quality, low durability and much shorter longevity.  “At Marlow, we manufacture a range of  mooring lines  to suit all budgets – each with their own unique specification to suit the requirements that we often come up against. It’s worth sailors and boat owners being aware of the unique construction characteristics of the various mooring lines on the market.”  Paul Honess, Leisure Marine Director

STRENGTH IS PARAMOUNT 

The primary function of mooring lines is to withstand the forces exerted on your boat by wind, waves, tides and currents. These forces translate to breaking strength, the amount of weight a line can hold before snapping. The key is to choose lines with a strength that significantly exceeds your boat’s weight. Consult your boat’s manual or manufacturer for its displacement (weight) and factor in a safety margin of at least 3:1. 

MATERIAL MATTERS

• Nylon:  Offers high elasticity, crucial for absorbing shock loads and preventing snapping. Bear in mind, it is known to degrade under UV exposure, resulting in reduced strength over time. 
• Polyester:  Known for its strength, and resistance to abrasion and sunlight. It has a lower stretch than nylon, so consider using mooring shock absorbers for additional give. This is the most reliable material for mooring lines.  
• Polypropylene:  A budget-friendly option with good buoyancy and moderate strength. Bear in mind, it stretches significantly and degrades quickly in sunlight. Only to be considered for its floating characteristics. 

MARLOW RECOMMENDS:   

3-strand Nylon  

Multi-plait Nylon  

3-strand Polyester  

3-strand Polyester Pre-stretched   for greater strength and durability 

Marina Grande  

Blue Ocean ®  Dockline   – sustainably manufactured from GRS certified rPET and available pre-spliced  

3-strand Nelson  

FINDING THE RIGHT SIZE

Mooring line diameter is directly linked to breaking strength. Use the breaking strength recommendations as a guide. Also, consider consulting a marine store professional for specific sizing based on your boat and typical mooring conditions. 

LENGTH MATTERS TOO

Mooring lines come in various lengths, with specific applications in mind: 

• Bow and stern lines:  These should be at least half the length of your boat, ideally longer, to allow for mooring at different angles and absorb wave action. 
• Spring lines:  Designed to prevent your boat from swinging excessively, these should be the entire length of your boat or even longer. 

The marine environment is harsh, so consider factors that can degrade your mooring lines: 

• Abrasion resistance:  Friction against docks, pilings and other boats can wear lines. So look for materials with good abrasion resistance or use chafe guards at potential wear points.  
• UV resistance:  Constant sunlight exposure weakens most mooring lines. So choose materials with good UV resistance or consider adding a UV protectant spray. Polyester is best, with nylon a reasonable second and polypropylene a distant third. UV stabilising techniques help, but don’t significantly alter the general comparable resistance values of each material. Counteracting UV deterioration should be a major consideration for yachts, especially in sunny climes such as in the Mediterranean and the Tropics. 

COMFORTABILITY CONSIDERATIONS

• Creaking  mooring lines is a bugbear for many sailors and boat owners plus those living or working close by. It’s often not known what causes the dreaded creak – but chafe, caused by salt water, or the fibre quality degrading over time may be factors. The addition of chafe covers or a lubricant coating may help. Nylon shrinks when it’s wet, which can result in a tightening of the rope strands, thus creating a harder, stiffer rope. This may lead to creaking, but a stiffer rope may be of greater benefit for permanent single purpose warps. 
• Handling  – Rope construction and diameter will make a difference to your comfort. Braided docklines, such as Marlow’s  Marina Grande  and  Blue Ocean® dockline , not only look good but feel good too thanks to their flexibility and smoother finish. This makes them much easier to handle, especially in the stressful situation when coming alongside.  
• Coiling and hanking  – For good rope maintenance, storing your mooring lines is vital to ensure their longevity and ease of use when it’s time to moor. A rope’s construction will dictate how it should be hanked. 3-strand ropes need to be rolled around your thumb to keep the lay in regular form. Whereas braided and plaited ropes should be formed into a figure of eight, to ensure twist is not imparted into the rope which puts undue pressure on to the fibres.   

INSPECT YOUR ENVIRONMENT

Mooring lines are a safety-critical element. Regularly inspecting them for signs of wear is good practice – replace them promptly when they show signs of deterioration. When in doubt, consult your local rigger or chandler for recommendations specific to your boat and mooring conditions.  

By making informed choices, you can ensure your boat stays securely moored, giving you peace of mind while you’re off enjoying the water. 

To buy your mooring ropes and docklines, find your nearest Marlow dealer here .

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Marlow Ropes, Inc. 10 Cordage Park Circle, Ste. 228 Plymouth, MA, 02360 USA

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