Dock Lines

General rule - the length of bow and stern lines should equal two thirds of boat length. Spring lines should be longer, approximately the same length as your yacht or boat.

Spring lines keep the boat snugly near the dock by preventing it from moving fore or aft, while allowing for the rise and fall of the tide. Keep in mind, the position of cleats on your boat and dock may affect the length of the dockline.

Unless your boat is unusually heavy or will be subjected to severe conditions,stern line,bow line, and two spring lines are recommended. If your permanent slip has outboard pilings as well, you will need an additional bow and stern line.

Boats | under 20 feet | use 3/8" line:
20 feet to 30 ------------feet use 1/2" line
30 feet to 40 ------------feet use 5/8" line
40 feet to 70 ------------feet use 3/4" line
70 feet to 90 ------------feet use 7/8" line
90 feet to 110 -----------feet use 1" line
110 feet to 130----------feet use 1-1/8" line
130 feet to 150 ---------feet use 1-1/4" line
150 feet to 180 ---------feet use 1-1/2" line
180 feet to 200 ---------feet use 1-3/4" line

By choosing of line for your boat, keep in mind that 12-strand line is not as strong as double braid line and colored line is not as strong as white line. Different braids have different attributes and tensile strengths can vary by as much as 20%. Make your choice accordingly!

Recommends using nylon rope for dock and mooring lines. the stretch characteristics of nylon absorb shock and will resist damaging cleats on your dock and boat. Nylon is available in 3-strand or twisted line, 8-strand, 12-strand or Mega Braid and in a double braid or yacht braid.

Be sure to use proper chafe protection where dock and mooring lines may rub on chocks, hawse pipes, gunwales or docks. Constant chafing on one area of the line for prolonged periods is a mooring rope's worst enemy.

Ballistic nylon tubing, leather or urethane dips are available for chafe protection if required.