Dock lines

el jefe

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jan 18, 2008
Messages
218
Reaction score
11
Points
18
Location
Miami
Model
Marlin
I searched through the forum but did not see a discussion about dock lines. After Hurricane Irene removed our dock which is now rebuilt, I have decided to replace all the dock lines for my Marlin. The boat is tied up to a single sided dock, so all lines run on the port side to the dock. I am conflicted on whether to get 1/2 inch three strand or 5/8 inch three strand. The Marlin is a heavy boat and I think 5/8 is the way to go.
 

DennisG01

GreatGrady Captain
Joined
Sep 1, 2013
Messages
6,746
Reaction score
1,188
Points
113
Location
Allentown, PA & Friendship, ME
Model
Offshore
For a 30' boat, it's not excessively heavy. It's in line with other 30' boats. With the outboards, it does save a good amount of weight compared to a sterndrive or inboard, as well. 1/2" 3-strand is totally fine for the boat in terms of strength. However, you can't go wrong going a bit bigger and if your cleats fit 5/8" line comfortably (can get two lines on one cleat), then go for it. It will definitely "feel" better in your hands. But functionally, 1/2" is more than adequate.
 

journeyman

GreatGrady Captain
Joined
May 12, 2008
Messages
678
Reaction score
12
Points
18
Location
Gloucester, MA
Model
Marlin
5/8"!!!

And I say get the double braided instead of the 3 strand. Stays softer over time and way less stretch especially when it gets wet like during a storm. Totally worth the extra money to keep my mind at ease!
 

Fishtales

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jan 31, 2005
Messages
7,496
Reaction score
1,161
Points
113
another vote for 5/8. 3/4 is waay too much and 1/2 is adequate if you get a good deal.
 

Jonah

GreatGrady Captain
Joined
Oct 28, 2015
Messages
331
Reaction score
10
Points
18
Location
Bahamas
Model
Sailfish
journeyman said:
And I say get the double braided instead of the 3 strand. Stays softer over time and way less stretch especially when it gets wet like during a storm. Totally worth the extra money to keep my mind at ease!

Journeyman, could you explain this a bit? I’ve read that the stretch provided in a nylon line (especially three-strand) is a benefit. It allows your cleats to be pulled more gently/gradually, instead of being yanked firmly by a line that won’t give at all. Is there some reason that you're avoiding that stretch by going with the double-braided lines?
 

Halfhitch

GreatGrady Captain
Joined
Nov 11, 2017
Messages
1,347
Reaction score
421
Points
83
Location
Venice, Florida
For permanent dock lines I would vote for 5/8"- 3 strand. For tie-up lines to carry on the boat for while you are present I would choose 1/2"- 3 strand. Stretch is your friend and you can quickly splice an eye in 3 strand if you have a special need.
 

drbatts

Well-Known Member
Joined
Nov 30, 2008
Messages
791
Reaction score
165
Points
43
Location
CT
Model
Express 305
I concur with the majority. My main dock lines are 5/8". I use 1/2" lines as the temporary lines at the gas dock, tying up at other marinas etc. The only problem with the 5/8" is tying off multiple lines during storms. I wish the cleats the were just a little bigger. I use double braid for all lines, I just find it looks nice and is more user friendly. I even color coordinated my bow/stern and spring lines, It make my life easier to just say "grab the black line" when pulling into the dock.
 

Gary M

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jun 2, 2006
Messages
475
Reaction score
10
Points
18
Location
Ft. Lauderdale
Had my Marlin docked up with 1/2 inch lines and it all did very well during the 90+ mph winds from Hurricane Irma last Fall. I'm able to easily use two lines on one cleat and that's why I use 1/2 inch.

In the Bahamas, I'll use my 5/8 line for my spring line as that one takes more stress than bow/stern lines.
 

journeyman

GreatGrady Captain
Joined
May 12, 2008
Messages
678
Reaction score
12
Points
18
Location
Gloucester, MA
Model
Marlin
Jonah said:
journeyman said:
And I say get the double braided instead of the 3 strand. Stays softer over time and way less stretch especially when it gets wet like during a storm. Totally worth the extra money to keep my mind at ease!

Journeyman, could you explain this a bit? I’ve read that the stretch provided in a nylon line (especially three-strand) is a benefit. It allows your cleats to be pulled more gently/gradually, instead of being yanked firmly by a line that won’t give at all. Is there some reason that you're avoiding that stretch by going with the double-braided lines?

Stretch is not a bad thing. It does allow for give. But too much is not. I've read once somewhere on NE ropes that 3 strand can stretch 14 to 16% while double braid only 8 to 10%. May not seem like a lot but when does line stretch the most? During a storm when it gets wet from rain and there is tension from wind. Still have stretch but less with braid during a time I'd rather not have my rig banging around on the dock.

I used to use a 3 strand spring line to keep my skegs about a foot of the main dock. We had a nasty nor'easter come through a few years ago and I took a ride to check on things and found my skegs 2 inches from disaster. Never since changing.
 

journeyman

GreatGrady Captain
Joined
May 12, 2008
Messages
678
Reaction score
12
Points
18
Location
Gloucester, MA
Model
Marlin
I've been saying double braid when I should have been saying Mega-braid. Sorry for any confusion......
 

journeyman

GreatGrady Captain
Joined
May 12, 2008
Messages
678
Reaction score
12
Points
18
Location
Gloucester, MA
Model
Marlin
Could find the info again on NE ropes website.
Here’s what I got from West Marine. All NE Ropes:

5/8” 3-Strand
Breaking Strength 11650 (1/2” 7500)
Stretch 16% (1/2” 16%)

5/8” Mega Braid
Breaking Strength 9300 (1/2” not available)
Stretch 9 - 12% (1/2” not available)

5/8” Double Braid
Breaking Strength 13500 (1/2” 8500)
Stretch 6.5% (1/2” 6.5%)

Notice:
The 3-strand has the most stretch and the ½” 3 strand has the lowest breaking strength.
Double Braid has the lowest stretch and a higher breaking strength.
Mega Braid is a middle ground but probably is the most expensive of the 3.

Just Info...............................
 

freddy063

Well-Known Member
Joined
Mar 26, 2007
Messages
566
Reaction score
31
Points
28
Location
Maine
make your own dock lines, get 200' of 5/8 3 strand and splice a loop on the ends, if your worried about a storm, add a few lines, can;t go wrong with bigger and a few added lines.