docking lines , what diameter ?

[canman]

hi everyone , my boat needs new dock lines , what diameter should i get ? the boat is a 1989 thundercraft 220 magnum , i think it weighs around 3500 pounds .. thanks .

 

[Chris1956]

Re: docking lines , what diameter ?

The size of the line is less important for strength, than for chafe resistance. Whereas a 3/8" dockline is more than strong enough to hold the boat, in a storm or other rough conditions, if the line wears thru, it is useless.

Use 1/2" lines, unless the boat is left alone for extended times, or it faces rough weather. In that case, 5/8" is better.

 

[sasto]

Re: docking lines , what diameter ?

I would go with the 1/2" and use double braided. Not all lines are rated the same strength. As for chafing, I use a clear hose slit down the side, cover the area to be guarded and secure the hose with a small line or tie wraps. A "snubber" can be added to the line to provide more flex but I find it not necessary if using the double braid.

 

[a70eliminator]

Re: docking lines , what diameter ?

Half feels better in my hand but I have trouble getting a double wrap on my cleats so I don't like it.

 

[badbird]

Re: docking lines , what diameter ?

Half feels better in my hand but I have trouble getting a double wrap on my cleats so I don't like it.

?? if you tie the right way 5/8 will fit cleats, tieing a boat is very easy and simple if you just remember a few knots

http://www.animatedknots.com/cleat/...ge=LogoGrog.jpg&Website=www.animatedknots.com

GL Ron

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: docking lines , what diameter ?

I like a line larger than needed as it is easier on the hands for pulling.

 

[sublauxation]

Re: docking lines , what diameter ?

I like the garden hose idea, wish I had thought of that!

Some types of rope may have a high load rating but less shock strenth. I have some 1/2 inch that looks and feels strong but says on the package not to use it where there will be repeated shock.

My 18 ft aluminum was tied to a floating dock with 3/8 braided nylon about a month ago. Wind kicked up some 1 1/2 footers and my front line broke where it rubbed on the dock, eventually frayed the back rope, boat drifted into the rocks....could have been worse but prop is toast.

 

[rwidman]

Re: docking lines , what diameter ?

hi everyone , my boat needs new dock lines , what diameter should i get ? the boat is a 1989 thundercraft 220 magnum , i think it weighs around 3500 pounds .. thanks .

It would help if you provided the length of the boat, but I would say that 3/8" would be fine for your boat and that if you look it up on a rope manufacturer's or the West Marine website, it would agree.

Your cleats will determine the maximum size you can use. Smaller lines have the advantage of stretching and absorbing shock better than oversized lines.

 

[shrew]

Re: docking lines , what diameter ?

?? if you tie the right way 5/8 will fit cleats, tieing a boat is very easy and simple if you just remember a few knots

http://www.animatedknots.com/cleat/...ge=LogoGrog.jpg&Website=www.animatedknots.com

GL Ron

I use lines with a spliced loop. I like to use the spliced loop one the cleat and the non-spliced loop is tied to the piling on the dock using a clove hitch with 2-half hitches, or at least two-turns and a half hitch. This typically negates the need to double-wrap a cleat hitch on the cleat. This also allows a smaller cleat to take a slightly larger line, or a single cleat to allow several lines (2 works fine, 3 gets crowded. Once the dock lines are tied to the dock they stay there all season so when I get back to the dock the lines are already all the correct length and I only need to go around and attach the sliced loop to the apropriate cleat. (I use color coded line to differentiate bow and strn lines from spring lines). I keep a spereate set of lines on the boat for typing up to other boats and transient docks.

 

[rwidman]

Re: docking lines , what diameter ?

I use lines with a spliced loop. I like to use the spliced loop one the cleat and the non-spliced loop is tied to the piling on the dock using a clove hitch with 2-half hitches, or at least two-turns and a half hitch. This typically negates the need to double-wrap a cleat hitch on the cleat. This also allows a smaller cleat to take a slightly larger line, or a single cleat to allow several lines (2 works fine, 3 gets crowded. Once the dock lines are tied to the dock they stay there all season so when I get back to the dock the lines are already all the correct length and I only need to go around and attach the sliced loop to the apropriate cleat. (I use color coded line to differentiate bow and strn lines from spring lines). I keep a spereate set of lines on the boat for typing up to other boats and transient docks.

I use dock lines with a spliced loop also. I thought everyone did. I thought that's what makes them "dock lines".

I'm also a fan of leaving the lines on the dock and having a seperate set for transient use. That way, when I come back to the slip. all the lines are the right length and in the right place.

 

[sasto]

Re: docking lines , what diameter ?

Shrew,
I like your way of securing your vessel as we usually do the same.

Badbird,
What a great website for teaching knots. Thanks.

 

[reelfishin]

Re: docking lines , what diameter ?

I use 1/2" lines for both strength and the fact that they work best with most dock cleats and are large enough to easily tie and untie. Any larger and you may find some docks that use cleats too small to accept the larger line. I have a pair of 8' 5/8" lines on my larger boat, and I've often found that they won't wrap around smaller cleats. Smaller lines take more wraps to self lock when cross wrapped around a dock cleat, some won't hold at all. The type of braid is also important for this reason as a smoothly braided rope won't grip when wrapped over itself very well.

 

[canman]

Re: docking lines , what diameter ?

thanks everyone , the boat is 22 feet long ,i think i will go with the half inch ropes ..