When you’re docking your boat, knowing you’re using the right dock lines will give you the peace of mind that your boat will stay safe and secure. But, if you’re a new boat owner, you may overlook the importance of choosing the proper dock lines for your boat. As you continue reading below, we will walk you through why you need to select the proper dock lines and provide you with some considerations to keep in mind so you can select the dock lines that best suit your needs.
What Are Dock Lines?
First, let’s discuss what dock lines are and the role they play before we dive into how you should select the right ones for your boat. As you may be able to gather from the name, dock lines are what secure your boat to the dock. In some instances, like when you’re rafting, you may use dock lines to secure the boat to other crafts.
Depending on your needs, you may need to be attached to the dock either temporarily or semi-permanently, which will dictate the type of dock lines you require.
All in all, dock lines are what keep your boat secured to the dock when not in use, and can help prevent damage to the craft if there’s an unexpected shift or change in weather conditions. Below are some important considerations to make to help you select the right dock lines.
The Size & Weight of the Boat
First, you need to be aware of the size and weight of your boat to ensure you end up with dock lines that can sustain its mass without breakage. As you might be able to assume, bigger, weightier boats will require thicker and stronger lines to provide adequate support.
Some experts say that you should have at least one inch of diameter in your dock lines for every 16 feet of boat length. So, if you have a boat that is 30 feet long, your dock lines should have a diameter of at least 1¾”.
Selecting the Right Material
You will find a few different materials available for dock lines, and they each provide their own advantages. One of the most popular options today is vinyl, though polypropylene is also a common choice.
Nylon is known for its strength and elasticity, which means it can absorb shock well and withstand rough conditions without breaking. Polypropylene is chosen in some cases because it is more lightweight and floats on the water, though it is easily damaged by the sun and isn’t as elastic as nylon.
Docking Conditions
You should also take into account the conditions of the water where you will be docking your boat most frequently. If the waters in your area are rough or are prone to strong currents and waves, you will probably need sturdier dock lines to handle the additional stress. But, if you dock your boat in a calm harbor, you may be able to go with lighter lines.
Choosing Line Length
We already discussed choosing line diameter, but you also need to decide how long of the dock lines you require. This will vary depending on the size of your boat and the docking setup, so you should consider how far away your boat will be from the dock, taking into account factors like tides, waves, and other movement. Many recommend you have two bow lines and two stern lines, and they each need to be long enough to accommodate the expected distance.
