Enhance Your Sailing Experience With the Best Mooring Lines
Also called docking lines, mooring lines are used for mooring or securing your boat on a dock or anchor buoy for a short while. When your boat is not being used, it is crucial to have a strong mooring line that holds your boat safe and secure for as long as is necessary.
No matter how glamorous your boat is, if your mooring line is substandard you risk losing or damaging your boat and everything in it—making it all the more important for you to ensure you’ve invested in only the finest of brands.
To help you out, we’ve curated a list of some of the premium mooring lines of 2024.
Our Top Picks
Best Mooring Lines of 2024 Reviewed in Detail
Editor’s Choice
INNOCEDEAR’s Mooring Line is sturdy enough to securely hold your ship even in extreme weather conditions. Owed to the double-braided design of the ropes that keeps them strong and intact, it also prevents the ropes from fraying. And because these nylon ropes can also easily withstand rough elements like salt and UV rays, you can rest assured it will last for years to come.
These mooring lines are 15 feet in length and have a diameter of ½ inches. Appropriate for small to medium-sized boats that are no longer than 35 feet, this product is our favorite because it provides extraordinary strength without damaging your boat’s paint job or exterior.
Pros
- Damage-resistant fibers ensure no fraying
- The double-braided ropes are sturdy
- Great for all weather conditions
Cons
- Can be bulky to carry
Best Quality
These nylon docking ropes by Rainier Supply Co are the perfect fit for keeping your boat moored and stable. It is great for boats that are up to 27 feet long, and each of these dock lines has a tensile strength of 4,000 pounds. Also capable of enduring weights up to 820 pounds, these dock lines are heat-treated to ensure no fraying and breakage. And since the ropes are made of nylon, you can rest assured that they’ll last you for years to come.
Despite their sturdiness, the mooring lines are soft on your hands and do not scar or bruise your hands while in use.
Pros
- The docking lines last a long time
- Naturally deters scratches
- Gentle on the hands
Cons
- The weave is not tight enough
Stretch-resistant
This nylon mooring line by ACY Marine is stretchy and shock-resistant, which means that you can easily apply pressure to it without fearing any breakage. The mooring line is also resistant to UV rays, which makes it immune to any damage caused by the sun’s rays.
Also quite flexible and championed for its strength, it is safe to use and perfect for professionals and hobbyist anglers alike. The rope also has a spliced eye for effortless docking, making it a perfect option for those who struggle to secure their boat.
Pros
- It can easily withstand tension and force
- It can resist sun damage
- It saves time
Cons
- One rope is not enough for docking
Aesthetically Pleasing
There are really no restrictions when it comes to looking for a good mooring line. Coming to you in a pack of two, these bright blue docking ropes by Better Boat are made of marine-grade, double-braided nylon. They can easily withstand shocks and are really soft on the hands, making them comfortable to handle.
These ropes are weather-resistant and do not get damaged due to salt water, making them quite resilient and great for use in seas and lakes. Each rope also comes with a 12 inch eyelet for easy docking.
Pros
- Easy to handle
- Great shock absorption
- Does not damage the exterior
Cons
- It may be a little slippery
Most Protective
These sturdy bungee mooring lines by Chirsfly are made of high-quality bungee cord and measure around 4 feet in length. Their elasticity allows them to be stretched up to 5.5 feet, and to add to their functionality there is a secondary concealed rope within the bungee rope that acts as a snubber. With the two foam floats on the sides preventing chafing, the two sliding adjustments make it all the more easier to dock with ease.
The protective material and design of the rope allow it to absorb shocks and withstand large forces. This mooring line can also be used to dock boats, jet skis, rafts, cleats and many other kinds of vessels.
Pros
- The rope is elastic
- It is built for extra protection
- Prevents chafing of the boat’s exterior
Cons
- It may get frayed under the pressure
Mooring Line Buying Guide
It’s important that you choose the right docking line for your boat to ensure your safety. The following guide will help you learn more about mooring lines, as well as how to choose the right one for yourself.
The Qualities of a Good Mooring Line
It is crucial to understand what makes a good mooring line. A quality mooring line has some degree of elasticity or elongation, and any movement caused by the wind or waves can be absorbed by the mooring line. Similarly, a good docking line will also have a high breaking force that allows it to carry and support large weight without breaking or fraying.
How Long Should a Mooring Line Be?
The length of a mooring line is defined by the size of the boat you’re using it with. It is generally advised to keep at least four dock lines on board, with two measuring the same length as the boat and the other two measuring approximately twice the boat’s width.
This will enable you to prepare for different kinds of ports and moorings.
How To Choose the Right Mooring Line for Your Boat?
While there are many features to consider when buying a mooring line for your boat, some of them are more important than others. We have covered most of these features below so you can make the right decision when choosing a mooring line.
Rope material
The most commonly used material for mooring lines is nylon. Nylon is sturdy and can easily absorb shocks. While it can also resist abrasion better than any other material, nylon may get damaged and degrade in high temperatures.
Polyester mooring lines are also good for docking. Aside from resisting UV rays and having great grip and elasticity, the material is also cheaper than nylon and absorbs very little water.
Length
The length of your mooring line is dependent on your boat’s size, which is why you must have exact measurements of your boat when you go looking for a mooring line. While you can have bow lines and stern lines that are half your boat’s length, your spring lines should at least be equal to the length of your boat.
You may keep longer spring lines, but it is not advised to have a spring line shorter than your boat.
Diameter
Mooring lines come in different sizes that include varying diameters. The diameter of your rope indicates how well it will perform with your boat, and it is normally advised to have at least ⅛ inch diameter for every 9 feet of your boat’s length. This means that for a boat of 27 feet, your mooring line should be at least ⅜ inches in diameter.
People Also Asked
How can I tell if my mooring line needs replacement?
You’ll know your mooring line needs replacement if it shows signs of extensive wear and tear that can’t be repaired.
Which is the best material for making mooring lines?
Nylon is the sturdiest and most commonly used material for manufacturing mooring lines. This is because nylon ropes have great tensile strength and are less likely to snap when exerted force. For those on a budget, nylon can also prove to be more budget-friendly when compared to other options.
What is the right size of mooring line for my boat?
The size of your mooring line will be dependent on your boat. As mentioned previously, your bow and stern lines should at least be half the size of your boat. The diameter of your docking line should be ⅛ inch for every 9 feet of boat length.
How long does the average mooring line last?
Generally speaking, the average mooring line will last as long as you take care of it. Keeping up with regular maintenance can help extend its lifespan. Investing in mooring lines that deter UV rays can also prove effective in the long run.
How can I care for my mooring line?
It is important to use your mooring lines carefully to reduce the damage that comes with daily wear and tear . This means that you shouldn't be too abrupt when changing the direction of the line to prevent chafing. You can also use chafe guards to protect your dock line from chafing damage.