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How to Choose the Best Size of Dock Lines, Type, Number, and more

In this article we'll give you the skinny on dock lines. We'll tell you what the best types of dock lines are for strength, handling, and safety and also give you techniques for using your dock lines. 

What To Look For When Buying Dock Line

Your dock line must be nylon rope. Polypropylene degrades quickly in the sun, doesn't have the level of stretch needed, and has a low breaking strength so it is generally a bad choice. Dock lines most commonly come in three weave types: three-stand, braided and double braided. There's subtle differences between these three types of lines listed below, but ultimately, any of these types makes an adequate dock line.

• Three-strand : Abrasion resistant, stretches more, easier to splice, less expensive.
• Braided Nylon : Stronger, easy on the hands, looks good.
• Double Braided Nylon : Strongest, easy to handle, abrasion resistant and controlled elongation, looks good.

Almost anything you buy in a store labeled a "dock line" is going to have a loop on one end for fastening it to a cleat, typically around 12" in size. Transient lines (i.e. non-permanent lines) will not have loops on both ends of the line as they will need to drawn to various sizes depending on the dock they are on. Permanent lines which never leave the dock may have loops on both ends. If you plan to splice your own lines, do yourself a favor and purchase three strand lines instead of braided as they are a lot easier to splice.

Dock lines come in a variety of colors. While the color has no real practical use aside from aesthetics, keep in mind that darker lines will tend to fade quicker than lighter lines. Conversely, lighter lines shower dirt easier than darker lines.

What Size, Length, and Quantity Of Dock Line Do You Need?

Your dock line should have 1/8" of diameter for every 9' of boat with a minimum size of 3/8". This means a 20' boat should use 3/8" lines. A 40' boat should use 5/8" line. You can use a bigger line and often boaters prefer this because a larger line is easier to grip and handle than a smaller line (5/8"-3/4" line is the easiest line to grip in our experience).

For length, transient dock lines should be close to 2/3 of the boats length if being used on the stern or bow of the boat. For spring lines, they should be equal to your boats length. Ideally, you should have two stern lines, two bow lines, and two spring lines on board.  At a minimum, you should have one bow line, one stern line, and two spring lines.  As the diagram at the end of this article shows, you don't always need to use two bow/stern lines, but you should have them on board regardless, because there will likely be a time when you do need them. When you're expecting heavy/stormy conditions, consider doubling up your lines.

How to Secure Your Boat

The diagram below illustrates three of the most common ways to secure your boat to a dock. As you'll notice, all ways of securing your boat require at least three dock lines.

How to Tie Your Dock Lines

Knowing how to tie a dock line is both one of the easiest and simplest techniques you can learn as a boater. The cleat hitch is the most popular way to secure your lines to a cleat and it is shown below.

Always avoid any knots in your dock lines (either deliberate or non-deliberate) as they will vastly reduce the strength of your lines.

How to Throw Your Dock Lines

We've all seen someone throw a dock line to the dock or to another boat only for it to land embarrassingly a couple feet short.  Here's how to avoid that. First, make two even coils in your right hand and your left hand. Second, the key is that when you are throwing the dock line, extend your hand pointing to the person (or object) that it's being thrown to rather than   lobbing   it. The line will uncoil and miraculously land to the intended placement.

Dock Lines Lifespan and Care (and Tricks Making them Last Longer)

Most dock lines are quite durable and you may get several years of use out of them before you see any deterioration in performance. You should wash your lines with a simple brush and hose every few months to prevent build up on the lines. However, even with proper care, lines tend to get 'gunky' over time, and many boaters elect to replace their lines every 2-3 years.

Dock lines are also prone to some stiffening from repeated dampness and drying out. To reduce the stiffness, a popular sailor's trick is to place the dock lines in a pillow case and wash them in the washing machine with a healthy dose of fabric softener.

Dock Line Accessories: Snubbers and Chafe Guards

There's also a number of accessories you can use with your dock lines. The most popular are line snubbers and chafe guards. A line snubber help absorb the shock from agitated sea conditions, reduce wear and tear on your lines and also reduces the stress put on deck and dock cleats.

A chafe guard prevents, you guessed it, chafe on your dock lines as the result of rubbing on the dock of your boat. They also reduce the squeaking sound made from noisy lines. You can purchase these pre-made in a variety of materials or construct your own out of a pair of old jeans.

Published May 10, 2018

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Choosing Docklines

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When you decide to purchase dock lines, it is possible to be overwhelmed by the variety of rope available. If you are after rope to secure your boat to the dock, you can — and should — ignore most of those spools. Most marine cordage is for general or specialized use aboard sailboats, and the less it stretches, the more it is revered by sailors. For dock lines, however, sailors and powerboaters alike need a rope that does stretch.

In pursuit of dock lines that do not stiffen with age, some rope manufacturers have in recent years begun offering pre-spliced dock lines made from "stretchy" polyester. These may be good for large boats in protected marinas, but for tying your boat to whatever dock, slip, pier, or seawall you might encounter, you should skip right over all rope labeled polyester or Dacron or Kevlar or Spectra or any other fancy name. The right rope for dock lines is plain old nylon.

Nylon has three characteristics that make it ideal for dock lines. It is incredibly strong, it is very stretchy, and it is very good at resisting the harmful effects of sunlight.

The value of strength is self-evident, but the benefits of elasticity may not be as obvious. When your boat surges against an unyielding dock line, the load on the line goes from zero to the maximum at the instant the line comes taut. The likely consequence is a broken line — not unlike how you might snap a piece of thread with a jerk. Even if the rope is strong enough not to break, it is hammering cleats and bitts with every surge. Nylon doesn't come taut suddenly, but dissipates the load by stretching. It is like the difference between hitting the steering wheel or hitting the air bag.

As for nylon's resistance to ultraviolet damage, dock lines — particularly permanent dock lines — live in the sun. Nylon lines enjoy quite a long life in that environment. Polyester is marginally better in this category, but the advantage is insufficient for giving up elasticity.

Nylon actually has a fourth appealing characteristic that you will surely appreciate: it is less expensive. The only exception is polypropylene.

What about polypropylene?

Polypropylene rope is stiff, very slick, and usually bright yellow, but its most distinguishing characteristic is that it floats. You will be familiar with this rope if you water ski. Polypropylene has a relatively low breaking strength, the quality of the rope is notoriously erratic, and because it is so slick, it does not hold a splice. Nevertheless, some boaters use polypropylene rope for dock lines, presumably because it is cheap. This is false economy. Polypropylene suffers badly in sunlight, losing much of its strength in as little as a year. Leave polypropylene to the skiers.

Braid or Three-strand?

Nylon rope is available in both braided and three-strand twist construction. Each has its advantages.

Braided line looks "dressy." It has better abrasion resistance than three-strand, and typically it is slightly stronger. Braided line can be a good choice for tying up in your home dock, but because braided lines have a tendency to snag on rough pilings, I don't like braid for traveling dock lines. (As anchor line, however, braided nylon handles easier and stows more compactly and with less of a tendency to tangle, but at the cost of some elasticity.)

The main advantages of three-strand nylon for dock lines are that it doesn't snag, it is easy to splice, and it is considerably less costly than braided rope. Three-strand also has the significant advantage of being stretchier than braid. As a practical choice for dock lines, three-strand nylon is unbeatable. How often is the best also the least expensive?

Since larger diameter line takes longer to chafe through, a case might be made for selecting the largest diameter that will fit your cleats. But as the line diameter gets larger, it also becomes less elastic — making the "right" line diameter a bit of a Catch-22. The line diameters shown in the chart should deliver both sufficient strength and the beneficial effects of elasticity.

What length?

For dock lines that are a fixture of your permanent slip, work out the appropriate lengths using old line or light stuff (flag halyard) — making allowances for eye splices — then make up your new lines to those lengths. Nothing is more convenient than pulling into your slip and simply dropping eyes over the mooring cleats. If your dock is fixed — not floating — be sure to leave a little extra length for unusually high or low tides.

For a set of dock lines that travel with the boat, I like lines equal to the length of the boat. It is essential for spring lines to be this long. You can get away with shorter bow and stern lines, but I don't like to sort through my dock lines to place a short one here and a long one there. In a rush, I can grab the one on top and know that it will be long enough. The inconvenience of a line that is too long is far less than one that is too short.

All dock lines should have an eye splice in one end. For permanent dock lines, the eye will be in the boat end of the line, and it should be just large enough to fit over the horns of the boat's mooring cleats. A small eye will be unlikely to come loose, but for complete security you can feed the eye under an open-based cleat before looping it back over the horns.

The eye on transient dock lines generally goes ashore so you can adjust the lie of the boat from on board. Twelve inches is a good eye size, making it easy to pull the line through the eye to form a loop.

A knot, by the way, is a poor substitute for a proper splice. A bowline, for example, reduces the breaking strength of a line by about 40% while a splice retains 95% of the rope's strength.

Chafe protection

Dock line failures are almost always a result of chafe. Unfortunately, it is nearly impossible to rig dock lines so that they never rub against the dock or the boat. Protect your investment — the dock lines and the boat — by sliding a foot or two of heavy-duty hose over each line and tying it in position to take the abrasion.

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The 6 Best Dock Lines (and Boat Springs) for Securing Vessels

MaOne of the most essential elements of any boat is the quality of the dock lines . They stop your prized possession from drifting away from the jetty and into the great beyond.

A good dock line will keep your vessel secure in all weathers and will last no matter what the elements have to throw at them.

So, if you're looking to upgrade your dock lines or are simply trying to make the right choice, look no further and read this article to get the lowdown on the best dock and mooring lines for boats.

How to Choose the Best Dock Line for Your Boat

Choosing the right dock line comes down to four elements: the size of your boat, the thickness of the rope, the length of the rope and the configuration you use when docking.

Once you've established these four things, you can be sure that you have chosen the best dock line for your boat.

Boat Size vs. Rope Thickness

The general rule of thumb for choosing the best size mooring line is roughly 1/8 of an inch in diameter for every 9 feet of length . For smaller craft, this is an easy decision.

There aren't any rules that state you can't have a dock line that's twice the required thickness. After all, whatever happens, it isn't going to snap.

In relation to rope thickness, here's a basic rule of length and weight to consider:

• Boats 19.5 - 33 feet - 2,200 - 20K pounds | 10 - 14 mm thick
• Boats 39.5 - 59 feet - 28 - 55K pounds | 16 - 20 mm thick
• Boats over 59 feet - 55K pounds | 24 mm thick

How Long Should My Dock Line Be?

It's generally accepted that you should keep four lines on your boat : two the same length as your boat and two lines at 2/3s the length of your boat.

For example, if you have a 26-foot vessel, you should have two 26-foot dock lines and another two at roughly 17 feet in length.

Let's Talk Dock Line Configurations and Springs

There are many ways to configure your dock lines to secure your craft and spread the load apportioned to each rope. But here I'll share the most common.

Referred to as springs, they act as a damper to a boat's forward and backward motion as it moves against waves or passing vessels. A good spring enables the load placed on the dock line to spread the weight and movement, preventing the boat from clattering violently back and forth or hitting the dock sides.

Take a look at the several springs you could deploy:

• After Quarter Spring - This is where the dock line is fed from the stern of the boat, in an outward direction away from the vessel at roughly 45 degrees.
• Quarter Breast   Spring  - These lines run at right angles to the dock cleats.
• Forward Quarter Spring  - This is where a dock line is fed from the stern and secured to a cleat located in the center of the pontoon. Again, the rope is at a 45-degree angle.
• After Bow Spring  - This is the reverse of the Forward Quarter Spring, with the dock line reaching from the bow at 45 degrees, and meeting in the center of the vessel.
• Forward Breast Spring  - This is the same as the Quarter Breast Spring but tied from the bow of the boat at a right angle.
• Forward Spring  - A rope is tied at a 45-degree angle, heading away from the boat.

Springs are important, but you wouldn't want to employ all of these at the same time. Not only would it be time-consuming, but it would also be completely pointless and considered overkill.

You should tie one at the bow and stern, and then use a Quarter Spring both fore and aft.

The Important Cleat Hitch

The cleat hitch is widely accepted as the best knot to secure your boat to a jetty or mooring where there are cleats . It's one of the easiest knots to tie, but far from simple if you want to get it right. Done properly, it would take a minor disaster for your vessel to become unhitched.

Pass the line entirely around the base of the cleat under the horns. Then, make a figure-eight over the left and right horn. To secure, turn the rope under itself to make a half hitch.

You should not require any further winding or looping as it does nothing to improve the effectiveness of the knot. In fact, should you need to cast off in an emergency, you run the risk of making it harder to unhitch with over-complicated twists. Just leave it as it is in its own simple and elegant state.

Best Rope Material

• Nylon  - This is by far the best choice for dock line as it's relatively cheap compared to other types, is elastic enough to absorb the weight and movement of your boat and is UV resistant. All in all, if you want excellent shock absorbency, choose nylon.
• Polypropylene  - This dock line is the cheapest of them all, and it shows. It does have attributes. It floats, for one thing, making it ideal should you need to retrieve it from the water. It does offer some UV resistance. However, it doesn't last as long as nylon and lacks the elasticity needed to absorb all that movement. Polypropylene is a great alternative if you're looking for the cheapest option, but it could be a false economy.

The 6 Best Dock Lines for Securing Vessels

It comes as no surprise that the best dock and mooring lines I have featured are all nylon, given its popularity and reasonable cost. It's also the material I prefer for my dock lines.

Through this list, I'll demonstrate that nylon dock lines don't have to break the bank. Although more expensive varieties are available, I have divided the ropes into budget and premium sections.

Editor's Choice

  Check Price on Amazon - Made of marine-grade double-braided nylon, Better Boat Dock Lines have a working load of 950 lbs and a b reaking strength of 4,939 lbs.

These 1/2 inch dock lines are 25 feet long and have a 12-inch heat-treated eyelet at the end. Superior shock absorption and elasticity keep boats secure in high winds and rough waters. You can even use it to hang boat fenders  or for tent tie-downs while camping.

This dock line falls nicely between a budget and premium dock line in price, so it's really a win/win as far as quality, price, strength and durability go. 

• Material: Nylon
• Thickness Range: 1/2 inch
• Length Range: 25 ft

Runner Up Dock Lines

Shoreline double-braided nylon dock line.

Check price on Amazon Shoreline dock lines are available in four colors: black, blue, gold and white. Without kinking or rotating under pressure, they have a dedicated loop on one end and a straight end on the other. This lets you decide what configuration you want to use when tying the boat to the dock.

Soft to the touch, these lines won't rub or scrape your boat. And because they're double-braided Nylon, they're super-strong with a load capacity of 1,140 pounds and a tensile breaking load of 5,700 pounds . That's enough to weather heavy conditions .

• Material : Nylon
• Thickness Range : 1/2 - 3/8 in
• Length Range : 15 - 25 ft

Crown Sporting Goods Double-Braided Dock Line

These Crown lines are available in black, blue, red and white, making them easily visible as they match your vessel's color combinations.

This rope is available in a 3/8-inch diameter and a length of 15 feet , which means it's ideal for a boat of a maximum size of 25 feet .

The double-braided Nylon construction can withstand load pressures of up 3,200 pounds and is also UV, abrasion and mildew resistant .

I like this rope, especially for docking smaller craft .

• Thickness Range : 3/8 in
• Length Range : 25 ft

Seachoice Nylon Dock Line

This Seachoice range is available in eight color combinations , ranging from vibrant red to black.

It's been designed to absorb dynamic shock loads , spreading the load's distribution through elasticity. It's mildew and mold resistant and comfortable on the hands.

This line has a working load capacity of 800 pounds with a maximum tensile load of 4,000 pounds , making it capable of securing a vessel of around 4,400 pounds.

• Thickness Range : 1/2 - 5/8 in
• Length Range : 20 - 35 ft

Amarine Made Nylon Dock Line

These Amarine lines are available in black, blue, white and a white/gold combo and have a load capacity of 968 pounds with a breaking capacity of 4,840 pounds .

This line is resistant to chemicals , acids, saltwater and UV rays, making it an ideal line for securing small to medium-size vessels .

• Thickness Range : 1/2 in

Premium Dock Lines

Seasense double-braided dock line.

This SeaSense dock line is intended for use with vessels that are at the lighter end of the spectrum (think: dinghy or small fishing boat). It has a 410-pound load capacity with a breaking strength of 3,900 pounds .

The eyelet is 10 inches in diameter. T his rope offers the elasticity that all good nylon ropes should have.

It comes in black, blue and a gold sheened white, making the springs and lines easily visible in poor conditions .

Because it's inexpensive compared to other lines, it may be the ideal choice for beginner boaters .

• Length : 15 - 25 ft

Norestar Double-Braided Dock Line

Norestar lines are extremely robust and have a high breaking strength. The 1/2-inch diameter rope has a breaking load pressure of 8,300 pounds , while the 3/4-inch thickness has a tensile load capacity of 19,100 pounds . That means it will hold a vessel of over 18,000 pounds!  

These dock lines are also abrasion-proof and UV resistant, so they should withstand the elements. 

• Length Range : 15 - 50 ft

Final Thoughts

Never underestimate the importance of a good quality dock line . It's one of the most important tools any boater can have.

Choose a cheap dock line at your peril, especially if you leave your boat docked for the winter when the weather is at its worst.

In addition, consider the boat docking or mooring line's best working capacity, maximum breaking strength and shock-absorbing qualities.

Once you have all this checked, make sure that you remember the rule about 1/8th of an inch in diameter for every 9 feet of boat length , and you won't go wrong.

• choosing a selection results in a full page refresh

Docklines.com

Started in 1986, docklines is a division of horizons america. our lines are woven by amish rope makers, then heat cut to your desired length. after they are cut and the ends are rounded we custom stitch the end loop to provide 100% line strength., why choose docklines.

We don't scrimp on the quality and we strive to keep our pricing affordable. We are members of many related organizations including NMMA, EAA, and NSRA. We have a reputation for top-quality products and stellar customer service.

The water is the same on both sides of the boat. - Finnish Proverb

Reasons Our Premium DockLines are Better

• Horizons lines float, will not get caught in prop

• Horizons lines are multifilament fiber with solid braid for high strength

• Horizons lines have built in memory, easy to work with

• Horizons lines are made in the U.S.A. and have a one (1) year warranty against all manufacturers defects

• Horizons lines are machine washable

• Horizons line color is extruded into the fiber, not solution dyed

Ships are the nearest things to dreams that hands have ever made. - Robert N. Rose

The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change; the realist adjusts the sails. - William A. Ward

Premium DockLines for Reasonable Prices

Embroidery Available!

Docklines are available in three (3) sizes: 1/2", 5/8" and 3/4".

Our 1/2 and 5/8" lines have stitched loops providing 100% line strength.

Formula for Calculating Custom DockLines

Bowlines - 1 1/2 to 2 times beam

Stern Lines - 1 1/2 to 2 times beam

Spring Lines - 3/4 length overall

Boat up to 30' - 1/2" diameter

Boats 30' - 40' - 5/8" diameter

Boats 40' - 65' - 3/4" diameter

Transient dock lines should be about 2/3 of the boats LOA when used on the Bow and Stern. Spring lines should be equal to LOA.

Questions? Interested in wholesale pricing? Give us a call: 1-800-969-4583 or send an email: [email protected].

A sailor is an artist whose medium is the wind. - Webb Chiles

More About DockLines

Horizons has spent many years marketing in boat, home, flower, & garden as well as outdoor recreational shows throughout the world. In our travels, we have gathered what we believe to be the highest quality products at the best prices. We also have our own line of built-to-last garden tools, Ironwood Tools.

We look forward to seeing you at your next local event! Please be sure to visit  Ironwood Tools and SoftCoolers for more top quality products.

A lot of people ask me if I were shipwrecked, and could only have one book, what would it be? I always say 'How to Build a Boat' - Stephen Wright

We are located in Lilburn, GA. If you would like to stop by our warehouse please give us a call first as we are often on the road and frequently only have office staff on location. We would be happy to meet with you when we are in the warehouse to show off our family of products if you will be in the area.

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Boat Dock Lines for Beginners: 12 Questions Answered

As a boat owner, you don’t have to be an expert on dock lines, but you should know how they work and a few best practices for docking at the marina. I’ve seen many boat owners struggle to tie up their boat to a dock, and it that’s you…don’t worry.

In the post, I’ll cover 12 common questions for beginners so you’ll know what you need to know about dock lines.

1. What type of dock lines should you choose?

If buying dock lines for the first time, determine if your lines will be permanent or temporary.  Will you be docking in your permanent location every time or not?

For example, if you will be docking in the same place every time, you don’t need a bunch of extra line getting in the way. You should ensure your lines are the exact length you need as well as having loops on both ends of the line can make for a safe and tidy dock.

If you are willing to put in a little bit of sweat equity, consider splicing your own lines to create loops exactly where you need them. These splicing fids are a great tool for most rope sizes and their stainless steel design makes for easy work.

2. How many dock lines do you need for a boat?

All boats will need a minimum of four dock lines, regardless of size. If you are only docking at home you will need at least one bow line and one stern line .

3. What’s the purpose of bow and stern lines?

Bow and stern lines on a boat prevent either end of your boat from pulling away from the dock.

Depending on your dock, you may need additional lines for your bow or stern. Factors like exposure to elements (such as wind or currents) should also be considered.

Since you may have to dock on either side of a dock when traveling, it will be less chaotic if you have two bow lines and two stern lines. If you travel often, it’s a good idea to add more lines than two per side for convenience.

4. What is a boat’s spring line?

Spring lines refer to lines located in the middle of the boat and cross on a shallow diagonal. Spring lines are generally categorized into two types: forward spring lines and after (or aft) spring lines.

• After spring lines keep the boat from moving backwards (towards the stern) when docked
• Forward spring line : keeps the boat from moving forward (towards the bow) when docked

Bow lines and stern lines help to line up a boat and prevent side-to-side movement, while spring lines prevent forward and backward movement along the dock.

5. How thick should dock lines be?

The standard diameter for dock lines is ⅛ of an inch for every 9 ft of boat.

Dock lines at a minimum should be ⅜ of an inch thick regardless of boat size. Generally the larger the rope the easier it is to handle, so many boaters tend to round up when selecting lines.

6. How long should dock lines be?

As a general rule, bow and stern lines should be at least ⅔ the length of the boat. For example, if you have a 20 ft boat your lines should be approximately 13 ft.

If you are docking at home you can measure your current lines to get an accurate length for each line.

Spring lines should be the length of your boat but this is something you can customize if you will only be docking at home.

You make your boat more secure if you adjust the clean location and length of your dock lines. Be sure to place your cleats and lines with an opening for boarding where there are no tripping hazards.

7. Why is nylon is the best dock line material?

The go-to material for dock lines is nylon due to its ability to stretch and durability . Nylon lines are also the perfect weight for tossing should the occasion arise, and are relatively inexpensive.

Polypropylene ropes are great for when you need a rope to float, but they deteriorate quickly in the sun.

8. What type of dock line braids are there?

For the most part, there are three types of braids for nylon dock lines.

• Three-strand twisted . This is the most affordable nylon line and the easiest to splice. It is composed of no inner core but simply three nylon lines twisted together.
• Braided . This is composed of a smooth inner core and a braided sheath. It is easy to handle.
• Double braided . The double braided line type is braided on both the inside and the outside of the rope. For this reason, they will be the most durable.

9. Does dock line color matter?

Dock line colors do not matter, it’s simply a matter of personal preference as opposed to any type of color-coding system.

Consider that white lines will show dirt and dark lines will be subject to UV damage and fading.

Some people choose to use one color for the bow and stern lines and another color for the spring lines. This can simplify communication during docking and undocking.

10. How long do dock lines last?

Dock lines will usually need to be replaced every 3-5 years depending on your setup and exposure to the elements.

Rain, mildew, and salt water can take their toll on lines. Eliminating buildup as it appears can help improve the lifespan of your lines.

11. How do you clean dock lines?

The best way to clean dock lines is to let them soak in a dish detergent like Dawn overnight. You can then place them in a mesh bag and wash them with a small amount of detergent and fabric softener before rinsing.

Depending on how dirty your dock lines are, you may want to use an older washing machine; dock lines won’t harm your washing machine unless absolutely filthy or oil-stained. It’s a good idea to wipe the drum out afterward or use a washing machine cleaner to be safe.

To dry dock lines, hang them, but do not place them in a dryer because they can degrade under high heat.

Vinegar can also help break down mold and mildew.

Inspect your dock lines regularly

During your annual cleaning, lines should be inspected for chafing or tearing. There are solutions for preventing chafing. Rubber sleeves or chafe guards like these are designed to slip over your dock lines and will reduce wear and tear over time.

12. Can you buy custom boat dock lines?

Yes. Boat dock lines come in all shapes and sizes, and can even be personalized to the length you need (so you don’t have to splice them) online at places like DenverRope.com.

You can personalize your dock lines further by having the maker attach a label to match the name of your boat; these customizations can be made on websites like MyRope.com or SoftLinesInc.com .

While docking your boat is really a craft that is honed over time, assessing the condition of your lines and preparing for every potential situation will ensure your boat is safe and secure.

Keeping the dock clean with coiled lines or draping them over the cleat will prevent tripping and also make you look like a seasoned boater!

While you’re at it, be sure to check out the post I wrote on Dock Cleats 101 , for everything you need to know on that front 🙂

This post was updated on July 5, 2022.

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Choosing the Best Dock Lines for Your Boat

Dock lines are an essential accessory for boat owners, ensuring the safe and secure mooring of watercraft at marinas, docks, or any other locations where boats are held in place. In this guide, we will explore the factors to consider when choosing the best dock lines for your watercraft, including the material, the size, and the versatility available with various dock lines.

Material: What Dock Lines Are Made Of

There are a few different materials commonly used in making dock lines, each offering unique benefits and trade-offs that boat owners should consider.

Nylon: Durability and Elasticity

Nylon is the most popular material for dock lines due to its excellent strength, abrasion resistance, and UV tolerance. With a natural stretchiness that allows the rope to absorb sudden shock loads and flex with waves or boat movement, nylon lines can help prevent stress on your boat’s cleats and chocks.

Polyester: UV and Abrasion Resistance

Polyester is another material with properties that make it a good choice for dock lines. Although not as stretchy as nylon, it has high UV resistance and incredible abrasion resistance. This can make it a better choice for boats docked in areas with harsh sunlight or chafing on cleats.

Polypropylene: Lightweight and Inexpensive

The third common material is polypropylene. While it is more lightweight and buoyant than nylon or polyester, it has lesser strength and is not as abrasion resistant. This material is generally best suited for smaller boats or as temporary dock lines.

Size and Length: Finding the Right Dimensions for Your Boat

Sizing Guide

The size of your dock line should depend on the size of your watercraft. As a general rule, choose 1/8 inch of line thickness for every 9 feet of boat length. For example, a 36-foot boat would need dock lines with a 1/2-inch diameter.

When it comes to the length of your dock lines, you will need three types: bow lines, stern lines, and spring lines.

Bow Lines: These lines attach to the front of the boat and should be roughly equal to the boat’s overall length.

Stern Lines: The rearward lines, stern lines should be approximately 2/3 of the boat’s length.

Spring Lines: These lines run diagonally from the bow and stern to the dock to prevent the boat from moving forward or backward. Their length should ideally be 1.5 times the boat’s length.

Rope Construction: Brait, Double Braid, or Three-Strand

Brait (Octoplait)

Brait dock lines use an 8-strand construction that resembles a square. This type of line is known for its high shock absorption and excellent abrasion resistance. It is easy to handle, but can be bulkier when coiled or stowed.

Double Braid

Double braid dock lines have a braided core and a braided cover, creating a strong, flexible, and easily managed line. They are popular among boat owners due to their strength, comfortable handling, and attractive appearance.

Three-Strand

Three-strand dock lines have a twisted construction and are generally the most affordable option. Although not as elegant as braided lines, they are strong, durable, and easily spliced or repaired. This is a dependable option, but it can be more challenging to handle and coil.

Choosing the best dock lines for your boat involves considering the material, size, and construction of the lines. Nylon and polyester offer the best mix of strength, durability, and UV resistance, while polypropylene may work best for smaller boats as temporary lines. Size your lines using the standard 1/8 inch per 9 feet ratio and account for the appropriate lengths of bow, stern, and spring lines. Finally, choose a construction that meets both your preferences for handling and appearance. By following these guidelines, you’ll be able to select the best dock lines to suit your specific needs and keep your boat secure in any mooring situation.

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Moscow (Russia)

Cruise port schedule, live map, terminals, news.

Region Russia Rivers

Local Time 2024-04-29 09:11

Moscow is a Volga River cruise port, Russia's capital and largest city (population over 12,2 million, metro 17 million). Moscow City covers a total area of approx 2610 km 2 (970 mi2). By population, the city is ranked the world's 14th largest. Moscow is one of the Russian Federation's all 3 federal cities - together with St Petersburg and Sevastopol .

Being Russian Federation's capital, Moscow is a major economic, political, scientific and cultural center, as well as Europe's biggest city.

According to Forbes 2013, Moscow has been ranked as the 9th most expensive city in the world by Mercer and has one of the largest urban economies, being ranked as an alpha global city according to Globalization and World Cities Research Network. It is also one of the fastest-growing tourist destinations in the world according to MasterCard Global Destination Cities Index. Moscow is the northernmost and the coldest megacity and metropolis on the Earth. It's home to Ostankino Tower, the tallest free-standing European structure; the Federation Tower, the tallest European skyscraper; and the Moscow International Business Center. 

Moscow is situated on Moskva River in the Central Federal District of European Russia, which makes it the most populated inland city in the world. Moscow city is well known for architecture, particularly its historic buildings like Saint Basil's Cathedral. With over 40% of its territory covered by greenery, it's one of the greenest capitals and major cities in Europe and the world. Moscow is the seat of power of the Russian Government, being the site of Moscow Kremlin, a medieval city-fortress that is now the residence of the President of Russia. Moscow Kremlin and Red Square are among the several World Heritage Sites in the city. 

Moscow has 2 passenger terminals, North River Terminal (Rechnoy vokzal) and South River Terminal. The regular ship routes and cruises along Moskva and Oka rivers are used mostly for entertainment. North River Terminal (1937-built) is currently the main hub for long-range routes along the river. There are 3 freight ports that serve Moscow.

In late-July 2021 the city announced plans to incorporate a fleet (unspecified number) of fully electric passenger ferries into its public transportation network from summer 2022, the goal being to reduce the dependence on cars.

• The boats are designed with length ~22 m (72 ft), passenger capacity 42, modern amenities (Wi-Fi, USB charging points, tables for working commuters), spaces for storing scooters and bicycles.
• Moscow Transport confirmed that two routes (with max daily capacity ~16,000 passengers) have already been mapped out.
• Passengers will be able to pay via bank cards, the city’s Troika card (smart card for travel by any public transportation) or biometric payment cards. Those with monthly/yearly public transit tickets will use the boats at no extra cost.
• The new electric ferry service is up to 5 times faster (in comparison to other city public transports) and ~2 times faster than by car.

Moscow cruise terminal

Moscow's cruise terminal is called North River Terminal or River Station  ("Rechnoy Vokzal" / "речной вокзал").

The terminal was opened in 1937 and is one of 2 passenger terminals (the other being South River Terminal) of the city's river transport. North River Terminal is the main hub for long-range (including cruise) shipping routes. 

South River Terminal (above photo) was opened in 1985.

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Gen3 Marine Bungee Dock Line - Blue

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Gen3 Marine Double Braid 3/8" Dock Line - Navy (4 Pack)

Gen3 Marine Double Braid Nylon Dock Line 3/8" x 15' - Navy (4 Pack) Use Gen3 Marine Premium Double Braided Dock Line to secure your boat at the dock. This durable line is made of 100% double braid nylon that is mildew, rot, and chemical resistant...

Gen3 Marine Double Braid 3/8" Dock Line - Blue (4 Pack)

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Gen3 Marine Bungee Dock Line - Black

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Gen3 Marine Double Braid 3/8" Dock Line - Gold/White (4 Pk)

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Gen3 Marine Double Braid 3/8" Dock Line - Black (4 Pack)

Gen3 Marine Double Braid Nylon Dock Line 3/8" x 15' - Black (4 Pack) Use Gen3 Marine Premium Double Braided Dock Line to secure your boat at the dock. This durable line is made of 100% double braid nylon that is mildew, rot, and chemical resistant...

Gen3 Marine Double Braid 1/2" Dock Line - Gold/White (Pair)

Gen3 Marine Double Braid Nylon Dock Line 1/2" - Gold/White (Pair) Use Gen3 Marine Premium Double Braided Dock Line to secure your boat at the dock. This durable line is made of 100% double braid nylon that is mildew, rot, and chemical resistant...

Gen3 Marine Double Braid 1/2" Dock Line - Black (Pair)

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Gen3 Marine Double Braid 1/2" Dock Line - Navy (Pair)

Gen3 Marine Double Braid Nylon Dock Line 1/2" x 15' - Navy (Pair) Use Gen3 Marine Premium Double Braided Dock Line to secure your boat at the dock. This durable line is made of 100% double braid nylon that is mildew, rot, and chemical resistant...

Gen3 Marine Double Braid 1/2" Dock Line - Blue (Pair)

Gen3 Marine Double Braid Nylon Dock Line 1/2" x 15' - Blue (Pair) Use Gen3 Marine Premium Double Braided Dock Line to secure your boat at the dock. This durable line is made of 100% double braid nylon that is mildew, rot, and chemical resistant...

Gen3 Marine 3-Strand Twisted Nylon Dock Line - Black

Gen3 Marine 3-Strand Twisted Nylon Dock Line - Black Use Gen3 Marine Premium 3-Strand Twisted Dock Line to secure your boat at the dock. This durable line is made of 100% twisted nylon that is mildew, rot, and chemical resistant. Available in various...

Gen3 Marine 3-Strand Twisted Nylon Dock Line - White

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Gen3 Marine Double Braid Nylon Dock Line - White

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Gen3 Marine Double Braid Nylon Dock Line - Navy

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Gen3 Marine Double Braid Nylon Dock Line - Gold/White

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Gen3 Marine Double Braid Nylon Dock Line - Black

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Unicord Premium Double Braided Dock Line

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Find solutions for all your dock rope and anchor line needs here. We've got nylon and poly anchor line, braided dock line, snubbers and snubber line, and accessories like line winders and anchor hooks from brands you trust, including Taylor made, Garelick, Kwik Tek, Davis Instruments, and more!

Double braid nylon, also known as braid on braid or yacht braid, is actually two braided ropes combined into one rope. A braided core is covered with a braided jacket to produce a strong easy to handle rope. This rope is splice-able and very strong. Nylon double braid is the preferred choice for applications requiring high strength with excellent shock absorbing properties. Nylon double braid has good resistance to abrasion sunlight and chemicals. Due to its high elongation, nylon is almost always used in applications involving shock loading such as anchor lines and mooring lines.

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Cruising the Moskva River: A short guide to boat trips in Russia’s capital

There’s hardly a better way to absorb Moscow’s atmosphere than on a ship sailing up and down the Moskva River. While complicated ticketing, loud music and chilling winds might dampen the anticipated fun, this checklist will help you to enjoy the scenic views and not fall into common tourist traps.

How to find the right boat?

There are plenty of boats and selecting the right one might be challenging. The size of the boat should be your main criteria.

Plenty of small boats cruise the Moskva River, and the most vivid one is this yellow Lay’s-branded boat. Everyone who has ever visited Moscow probably has seen it.

This option might leave a passenger disembarking partially deaf as the merciless Russian pop music blasts onboard. A free spirit, however, will find partying on such a vessel to be an unforgettable and authentic experience that’s almost a metaphor for life in modern Russia: too loud, and sometimes too welcoming. Tickets start at $13 (800 rubles) per person.

Bigger boats offer smoother sailing and tend to attract foreign visitors because of their distinct Soviet aura. Indeed, many of the older vessels must have seen better days. They are still afloat, however, and getting aboard is a unique ‘cultural’ experience. Sometimes the crew might offer lunch or dinner to passengers, but this option must be purchased with the ticket. Here is one such  option  offering dinner for $24 (1,490 rubles).

If you want to travel in style, consider Flotilla Radisson. These large, modern vessels are quite posh, with a cozy restaurant and an attentive crew at your service. Even though the selection of wines and food is modest, these vessels are still much better than other boats.

Surprisingly, the luxurious boats are priced rather modestly, and a single ticket goes for $17-$32 (1,100-2,000 rubles); also expect a reasonable restaurant bill on top.

How to buy tickets?

Women holding photos of ships promise huge discounts to “the young and beautiful,” and give personal invitations for river tours. They sound and look nice, but there’s a small catch: their ticket prices are usually more than those purchased online.

“We bought tickets from street hawkers for 900 rubles each, only to later discover that the other passengers bought their tickets twice as cheap!”  wrote  (in Russian) a disappointed Rostislav on a travel company website.

Nevertheless, buying from street hawkers has one considerable advantage: they personally escort you to the vessel so that you don’t waste time looking for the boat on your own.

Prices start at $13 (800 rubles) for one ride, and for an additional $6.5 (400 rubles) you can purchase an unlimited number of tours on the same boat on any given day.

Flotilla Radisson has official ticket offices at Gorky Park and Hotel Ukraine, but they’re often sold out.

Buying online is an option that might save some cash. Websites such as  this   offer considerable discounts for tickets sold online. On a busy Friday night an online purchase might be the only chance to get a ticket on a Flotilla Radisson boat.

This  website  (in Russian) offers multiple options for short river cruises in and around the city center, including offbeat options such as ‘disco cruises’ and ‘children cruises.’ This other  website  sells tickets online, but doesn’t have an English version. The interface is intuitive, however.

Buying tickets online has its bad points, however. The most common is confusing which pier you should go to and missing your river tour.

“I once bought tickets online to save with the discount that the website offered,” said Igor Shvarkin from Moscow. “The pier was initially marked as ‘Park Kultury,’ but when I arrived it wasn’t easy to find my boat because there were too many there. My guests had to walk a considerable distance before I finally found the vessel that accepted my tickets purchased online,” said the man.

There are two main boarding piers in the city center:  Hotel Ukraine  and  Park Kultury . Always take note of your particular berth when buying tickets online.

Where to sit onboard?

Even on a warm day, the headwind might be chilly for passengers on deck. Make sure you have warm clothes, or that the crew has blankets ready upon request.

The glass-encased hold makes the tour much more comfortable, but not at the expense of having an enjoyable experience.

Getting off the boat requires preparation as well. Ideally, you should be able to disembark on any pier along the way. In reality, passengers never know where the boat’s captain will make the next stop. Street hawkers often tell passengers in advance where they’ll be able to disembark. If you buy tickets online then you’ll have to research it yourself.

There’s a chance that the captain won’t make any stops at all and will take you back to where the tour began, which is the case with Flotilla Radisson. The safest option is to automatically expect that you’ll return to the pier where you started.

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3 hospitalized after knife attack on party boat in New York City along Brooklyn waterfront

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NEW YORK (AP) — A knife attack on a crowded party boat at a New York City pier Saturday resulted in the hospitalization of three people, police said.

A 911 call came in around 5 p.m. reporting the assault along the Brooklyn waterfront near 58th Street and the Brooklyn Army Terminal warehouse, NYPD Detective Sophia Mason said.

The victims were said to be a 32-year-old man with a stab wound to the torso, a 40-year-old man with stab wounds to the chest and abdomen and a 28-year-old man who was hit in the head with a bottle. They were taken to the NYU Langone Hospital and were in stable condition, Mason said.

Two more people were treated for injuries at the scene, but they declined further medical treatment, according to the fire department.

There were no arrests as of Saturday evening and the investigation was ongoing.

Around 3,000 people were aboard the vessel, the Cornucopia Majesty, at the time, police said. An event called BYFAROnABoat, which had advertised daytime and nighttime parties on the boat boarding at the Brooklyn Army Terminal on Saturday, said in a statement posted on social media that a “crime scene developed by the pier.” As a result, the night event was postponed.

“BYFAR Entertainment has always been a beacon of safe events in New York City and this rare occurrence has never been the norm with us,” the statement said.

The pier at the army terminal, a former military supply base that houses industrial businesses, is used by the city’s ferry service and private vessels.

Party cruises are a fixture in the waters off New York City in the warmer months, typically carrying DJs playing to large crowds as they take in views of the Statue of Liberty and Manhattan skyline. The city in the past has moved to restrict where and how late they can dock on the southern Brooklyn waterfront, following complaints from some area residents.