Dock Lines... questions, sources for bulk...

[wsmac]

I did a search and might not have used all the correct words... but I'm here now asking...
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I'm going to make my own docklines. Already did my first ever eye splice in Samson Super Strong double braid class 1... 1/2"

I want to find a source for a 300ft or 600ft spool... I have a Hunter 28.5... hmmm, maybe 2 spools?
Seriously though, the other Dock Dwellers around me want to go in on a bulk purchase.
Anyone here have experience with a purchase like that and do you have a favorite supplier?
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Is there a 'rule-of-thumb' for dockline lengths?
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I'm going to make chafe guards out of fabric... no plastic tubing. Not really into taking the time to do leather.
What fabrics have you found that work good for this application?
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[dlochner]

One of the best places I've found for bulk line is HamiltonMarine.com A few years ago I bought a 600 ft spool of ⅝" triple strand for about 50c a foot. The drawback for California might be shipping.

Try Fisheries Supply at least they are on the west coast.

 

[Terry Cox]

Prefer 5/8th inch three strand nylon for dock lines and purchase them here: http://www.defender.com/category.jsp?name=3-strand-(by-the-foot)&path=-1|2276155|2226888&id=2078769

I eye splice my own. Made two dock lines, bow and stern, and long enough (each 40') to bring both to the mid ship cleat for use as a spring line.

 

[Ken Cross]

eBay
Sometimes you can do well there, sometimes not.

Ken

 

[capta]

I also would suggest 3 strand nylon line for your dock lines. Much cheaper, more elastic, much quicker to splice and wears nearly as well, in my opinion, especially if you use chafe gear, which you should do with either line.

 

[Brian D]

I got mine on eBay. 100' 3/8" cut into 4 with 8" eye. Splice my own eyes. Then purchased 1" tube webbing to use as chafe guards. The three strand was $32 and the webbing was $12 (5 yards).

Just thought I would chime in.

 

[wsmac]

One of the best places I've found for bulk line is HamiltonMarine.com A few years ago I bought a 600 ft spool of ⅝" triple strand for about 50c a foot. The drawback for California might be shipping.

Try Fisheries Supply at least they are on the west coast.

Haven't seen Hamilton Marine, but I did check Fisheries Supply.

 

[wsmac]

eBay
Sometimes you can do well there, sometimes not.

Ken

Yeah... having worked with line in other occupations... I really despise cheap, knock-off rope so off-brand line on ebay kinda worries me

 

[Charlie Jones s/v Tehani]

How about the store run by your hosts here? SailBoat Owners .com? Link to bulk line
http://shop.sailboatowners.com/prod.php?6469

 

[Parsons]

For chafe guard, try used fire hose. Available on eBay or local Craigslist. You only need a bit, so our club has a role that anyone can cut a foot off of. The downside with any chafe guard is, of course, you can't see the underlying line easily so when wear happens, you never see it.

 

[Chief RA]

www.cajunrope.com

 

[Gunni]

Definitely nylon, you want some stretch in your dock line attachment. Your choices are double braid or single braid (3 strand).
I use these guys mostly because they show up at the Annapolis Boat Show and have an awesome selection of nicely priced pre-spliced line. https://www.onlineropestore.com/

However, the forum store has better pricing!

 

[wsmac]

How about the store run by your hosts here? SailBoat Owners .com? Link to bulk line
http://shop.sailboatowners.com/prod.php?6469

Well... I was hoping recognition of my most AWESOME POSTS AND THREADS would drive them to offer me a SPONSORSHIP.... sponsorship for what?... I have no idea... but I like cheap and free stuff!
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Seriously... thanks... I've got some items on my list for my 28.5 that I'll be buying from here, just didn't see the link to the line.

 

[wsmac]

www.cajunrope.com

Couldn't see anywhere to order up some Andouille with my line... thought this place was Cajun?
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Made me all nostalgic for the days I spent working out of Morgan City, LA... seemed like every gas station sold Andouille... hahaha

 

[DayDreamer41]

https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_...nd+nylon&rh=n:16310091,k:.625"+3-strand+nylon

 

[wsmac]

Found 1" webbing, multiple colors, 50' spool for $19
http://www.thefirestore.com/store/product.aspx/productId/12221/Sterling-1-Tubular-Webbing/

also 1" white, double jacket, uncoupled (no nozzles, collars, etc), fire hose 50' for $38
http://www.firehosedirect.com/White-1-x-50-Double-Jacket-Uncoupled-Mill-Hose

 

[Brian S]

I prefer 3 strand nylon, because it's easy to custom splice. Spliced all my lines for my boat in my dock, and then I have some lines on the boat for use at raft ups and such. This last time I chose black nylon 3 strand. My thinking was black might be more UV resistant and last longer than white. Plus, it hasn't gotten noticeably dirty.

Don't go too thick on your dock line. You want thick enough to cary the loads of your boat, but not so thick that it doesn't have any elasticity.

 

[justsomeguy]

also 1" white, double jacket, uncoupled (no nozzles, collars, etc), fire hose 50' for $38

I've got a shload of discarded fire hose that anyone here can have for free. Lemme know how much you want, and just pay shipping.

 

[wsmac]

...Don't go too thick on your dock line. You want thick enough to cary the loads of your boat, but not so thick that it doesn't have any elasticity.

I was checking that out earlier today actually.
I went with 1/2" in this first line, but I've seen some 3/8ths that are suggested for boats under 30ft.

 

[wsmac]

I've got a shload of discarded fire hose that anyone here can have for free. Lemme know how much you want, and just pay shipping.

I'm up for that!
What diameter is it?
My zip code is 95540