Dock lines...

[Brian D]

Time for me to replace my dock lines. I'll keep to old ones as spares. I tried to use WM Product Assist but it came back as saying No Products Available for the criteria I submitted. So I will ask you, the experts, for your recommendations.Boat Length: 27'Displacement: 4600#So my options are:Braid or 3-strand?15' or 25'?3/8", 1/2", or 5/8"?Thanks in advance.

 

[Bob]

Dock lines

Three strand 1/2 inch 25 ft. get two for each side. That would give you enough for a slip with length enough for spring lines.

 

[Bob]

Lines

I should have said braided line. It won't harden up as soon as three strand and is more flexible.

 

[Stu Jackson]

Try this WM link

BrianNot sure what you looked for the product assist section, but the Advisors, on line and in their catalogs, answer your question.http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/westadvisor/10001/-1/10001/docklines.htmOnly you know what your pier arrangement is, so lengths are up to you. We leave our dock lines there and have many extras on board, including a spring line a bit longer than the length of our boat.

 

[Capt Jim24025]

3-Strand Nylon always

for the same reason you should always use 3-strand nylon for tow ropes. It stretches to absorb shock from waves and wakes. It's the only type of dock line I use.I have 4 short breast lines and 4 long spring lines. Of course, we have to be prepared to hurricane tie down here, so my lines have to be longer and stronger than you might need.Jim

 

[Ross]

There is another advantage to using

3-strand, if the eye should become chafed you can chop off the damaged portion and splice in a new eye. It is very difficult to splice old, used braided line.

 

[Rick D]

Easy Living With Your Dock Lines

You shouldn't need anything extrordinary. You don't have much surge, wind or wakes. Good quality 3/8 three-strand should be plenty. I have found what is important is to replace them when they get worn and move them around to equalize wear. Also, the cheaper three strand is fine for carrying aboard and you should get a couple of 25 footers and a couple of 15 footers since you'll be using them in some rafting and guest-slip environments. However, the better three-strand will wear *much* better that the cheap stuff full-time at your dock and is more economical in the long run. Last time, I purchased braided colored line just to dress up the dock a bit. The braided line does tend to pick up splinters and snag a bit more, but the stuff handles nicer and is a bit better looking IMHO.Rick D.

 

[higgs]

My vote

I have found New England 3 strand from West to be a very durable line that stays soft for quite a few years, at least in fresh water. It is easy to splice and nice to handle. I always like to go a little larger and with a 27, I would go 1/2" . You will never say "Gee, I wish I bought the smaller stuff".

 

[Bill Roosa]

Arr, you be needen 3 strand maty

You need 2 the length of the boat and 4 that are 1/2 the length of the boat. That is the standard set up but your dock may only need one spring line etc. 3-strand is the best from a cost and strength standpoint. It is also MUCH easier to tie in the eyes. IMHO this is a skill every sailor needs to know. Why pay some guy at WM $25.00 to tie an eye when you can do it for free while you watch TV. Takes about 2 minutes once you get the hang of it. It only takes about 15 minutes the first time. It is amazing what you can do with a little friction.

 

[Brian D]

As always...

You guys come through with the goods. Much appreciated on the info. A shopping we will go... ;D

 

[captain dave]

either or

While 3 strand certainly is the old school standard, I think personal preference may have some say in the matter. 3 strand does have more stretch and is cheaper, and easier to splice, all valid points. If you are in the Chula Vista marina, or any protected tie up, a lot of people prefer braid, probably just because of hand feel and looks, plus it comes in many more colors. If you're in a really rough tie, like Lake Washington in Seattle (choppy in winter), you should probably stick with 3 strand and even add in some snubbers. The normal minimum would be (2) 15 foot lengths (bow and stern) plus a 25 foot springline. 3/8 inch may be adequate, but I would recommend 1/2 inch. If you travel a lot and tie up in many different situations, you'll always want to be prepared with much more than the minimum, probably X2 at least.

 

[Ross]

I choose my dock lines not for their initial

strength but for how long it will take to chafe through them in a storm. 1/4 inch will hold my boat for about 340 days each year but in one storm she chafed through two of the three strands of 5/8 nylon

 

[s sauer]

Chafe Protection

I have used both three strand and braided; always 1/2 inch and use 18 to 24" long clear plastic 5/8" ID water line tubing slipped over the dock lines and set so that they provide chafe protection at the staunchions or toe rail when cleated. I wrap multiple layers of duct tape an inch or two from the end of the plastic tubing so the tubing can move and rotate but not fall off if a line is dropped in the water. You can also do your own splices in braided dock lines with a decent fid when they are new and supple, but not once they have ager a little.