Keep Your Boats Intact With the Best Dock Lines

Dock Lines Buying Guide

Our comprehensive buying guide aims to help you make a suitable decision.

What to Consider Prior to Buying Dock Lines?

Here is a list of things to keep in mind when buying dock lines.

Length

The length plays a crucial role in providing your boat with extra security. Anything too short can damage the surface of your boat and might not provide you with the protection that you are looking for. If the line is much longer than you need, it won’t hold the boat in one place.

This is a concerning factor as there is the risk of collision and water-based accidents. You might need a lot of force to bring back the boat, making it all the more essential to opt for a product that adds flexibility but keeps the watercraft in one place.

As a general rule of thumb, the length of your dock lines should be ⅔ the length of your boat.

Material

The material of the dock line will determine its strength and durability. Nylon is the most popular option out there as it provides long-lasting use and is available in multiple colors and designs.

There are also numerous color options. The flexibility of the product depends on the material. For instance, a nylon line is more flexible than a nylon-polyester blend. Make sure that the flexibility of your dock lines does not result in permanent damage or breakage.

Diameter

The diameter of the lines provides the strength needed to keep the boat in one place. As per rules, the diameter of this product should be 1/8 inches per 9 inches of the boat. For example, the diameter of the line for a 12-inch boat should be 2/3 inches.

Accessories

Extra accessories and add-ons help you protect the surface of your boat. They might not always be available with the dock lines, but you can buy them separately from the same brand. Small things like chafe guards and snubbers add value to your boat by ensuring it looks brand new.

What Are the Main Types of Dock Lines?

There are three main types of dock lines in the market for boats: three-strand, mega braid, and double braid.

Three-strand dock line

Three-strand dock lines come with a knobby finish. They are easily intertwined into braids without any complicated setup. Three-strand dock lines are made from nylon and do not snag, and their non-abrasive body further ensures there won’t be any damage on the surface of your boat.

They are also flexible, making them durable and tolerant of excessive weight. Three-strand dock lines are made from polyester or nylon, giving you weather-resistant capabilities and long-lasting use.

Since they are affordable and low-cost, most boat owners prefer opting for them. For those who are older in age or suffer from a mobility issue, you may need extra assistance to bring them together.

Double braid dock line

The second option out there is the double braid line. Known for their ultimate strength and durability, they are also quite comfortable to use. Allowing you to avoid applying excessive force to bring the line together, they are not as elastic – making it all the more essential to find a size that fits your requirements. You can even purchase one with a longer length than you need to avoid frustration.

These lines are available in multiple colors, which allows the user to color coordinate their boat, fenders, and lines. These are used by professionals or boat enthusiasts. Unfortunately, the color of a polyester-nylon blend dock line might fade away with time.

Mega braid dock line

As its name suggests, a Mega braid is designed for larger watercraft. Featuring 12 strands in a single braid, this makes them durable and resistant to any wear and tear.

Since it is also challenging to splice this line into one shape, they tend to not be as flexible as their three-strand counterparts – so you must opt for something longer than your requirement.

What is Dock Line Chafing and How to Prevent It?

Stronger dock lines might cause chafing. In case you are unaware, this refers to the strong braided texture of the product leaving abrasions and marks on the surface of your boat. Purchasing chafing gear as an extra with dock lines can help you create a more well-protected, smoother experience.

Chafe guards

Designed to take damage without reducing the strength and durability of your line, your traditional dock will either have eyebolts, rings, or cleats to pass the line. It should be known, however, that the type of hardware you install on the dock opening determines chafe protections.

Allowing users to pick a suitable braid style, chafe guards add distance between the line and the surface without damaging its quality. Chafe guards should also be twice the number of lines you plan to purchase.

Snubbers

Adding shock-absorbing stretch to the line, the dock line is flexible enough to absorb unexpected shock in most cases. Because there might be an issue with the elasticity, this can result in the boat touching the line and getting damaged. A snubber adds a reasonable amount of stretch and reduces the noises that arise when your line comes in contact with the boat’s surface. Thus, adding a protective barrier with shock-absorbing properties adds durability and helps you use the lines for a longer time.

What Materials Are Dock Lines Sourced From?

The material of your dock line determines its life and durability.

Polyester

As things evolve, most brands have also launched polyester dock lines. Unlike nylon, polyester does not become stiff with age. They are pre-spliced, which reduces your labor and extra effort. Polyester might be a good choice if you are looking for less work, however, they are unsuitable for open marinas.

If you want maximum strength and durability, skip polyester lines as they might not be a good choice. Polyester color may also fade with time if exposed to sunlight.

Nylon

Nylon is the epitome of materials when it comes to dock lines. Solid and durable, nylon is also flexible and can hold the boat together without any stress. It comes in different braids, so you can find one to match the opening rings on the dock.

This doesn’t mean, however, that nylon is not prone to breakage. It might leave a little abrasion on the surface, but that can be handled easily with the help of guards.

Another reason why boat owners love nylon is that it is affordable and will not deteriorate if exposed to sunlight.

Conclusion

Dock lines are designed to protect your boat and keep it in one place. While they come in different styles and textures you need to consider length, diameter, and material to find the most suitable dock lines.

In this article, we’ve reviewed trending dock lines in 2024 that add value to your watercraft experience and ensure long-lasting use. Adding accessories to the lines like chafe guards and snubbers further protect the boat from premature wear and tear.