Docklines

There are quite a few choices out there when it comes to selecting docklines. However, it's a pretty straightforward decision if you take the type of docking and rafting you do into consideration. You really need two sets of docklines-a temporary set to use while you are away from your permanent slip and a set for your permanent slip.

Material

Nylon This strong, durable synthetic is best suited to docklines. Our pre-made anchor lines and docklines are made with four-tuck splices. Premium lines have a five-tuck splice, and the bitter end is whipped. Its high stretch, low cost, and soft texture make nylon the best choice. Laid or Braid Construction

Laid line is composed of three twisted strands, a design that has withstood the test of time. Although it can kink, making it awkward to coil, and stretch more than braid, three-strand twisted line is very strong, resistant to abrasion and snagging, and offers good value. Braided line is composed of many small strands, making it extremely strong and flexible. It runs smoothly, will not kink or rotate, and is easier on the hands. These small strands wear evenly, making braided line more resistant to chafe-the greatest threat to healthy docklines. They're often available in a selection of colors

Pre-Spliced

Factory-spliced eyes make sense. The splice, formed by interweaving parts of the rope, creates a permanent eye while sacrificing little of the line's inherent strength. It cannot "undo" as can knots used to form the eye. You could splice the line yourself. For laid line, splicing is simple, but braid requires a special fid and some practice.

How Big?

Boats under 20' generally use 3Ú8" line; 20-30' boats, 1Ú2" line; 30-40' boats, 5Ú8"; and boats over 40', 3Ú4". If your boat is heavier than average, or has greater windage, you may want to choose the next larger size.

How Long?

As a general rule docklines should equal two-thirds of your boat's overall length. Spring lines should be slightly longer, approximately the same length as your boat.

How Many?

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

How to Use Them

These diagrams show two common docking arrangements. If you're away from the boat much of the time, lines should be longer to allow for high water from storms and tides. Short lines are a prime cause of damage. Also, put the eye end of your dock lines around the cleat, bitt, etc. aboard, if you'll be adjusting lines from the dock. Conversely, if you spend most of your time aboard, put the eye around the fitting or piling ashore and adjust from the boat.

How to Care for Them

Chafe is the nemesis of any line (good or bad). Although inevitable, it's not uncontrollable. In a permanent docking arrangement, the chafe problem is most chronic. First, chafeproof your boat as you would childproof your home. Examine chocks, cleats, bitts, posts, and other hardware for rough edges. Next, consider how you lead the lines, being careful to avoid acute angles, which present opportunities for abrasion. Last, get defensive. Chafe protection can range from special tape wrapped around the line at the point of contact to lengths of split garden hose or ready made chafe guards attached to the line where it passes through the chocks.

Whether you're in your permanent slip, or just passing through, regularly check the condition of your lines for signs of wear. The investment in your boat could depend on it.