What diameter dock lines should I use?

[nmcafee]

54' Hatteras, 81K pounds. Right now, most of the lines that came with the boat are 1" diameter but heavily frayed. I want to replace them but have 2 questions....

1) What type of line (diameter and material) is best for a tying up a boat my size?
2) Is there a place that has good prices if I am buying quite a few?

Thanks,

[Captain Ralph]

54' Hatteras, 81K pounds. Right now, most of the lines that came with the boat are 1" diameter but heavily frayed. I want to replace them but have 2 questions....

1) What type of line (diameter and material) is best for a tying up a boat my size?
2) Is there a place that has good prices if I am buying quite a few?

Thanks,

I'm a true believer in double braid kits @ 3/4" up to 60 maybe 65 feet LOA.
1" to 70-75 and 1 1/4" to 90 feet.
This is normal dockside tie up, not storm ties.

[Pascal]

3/4” is fine for a boat that size unless in a really exposed slip

In my slip I use double braid but for traveling lines I prefer mega-braid. Much easier to handle.

[SEVEN]

I'm a true believer in double braid kits @ 3/4" up to 60 maybe 65 feet LOA.
1" to 70-75 and 1 1/4" to 90 feet.
This is normal dockside tie up, not storm ties.

100% agree

[nmcafee]

Any best places to buy new lines if I am buying 8 of them?

[Pascal]

Defender usually has the best prices and customer service

[SKYCHENEY]

You have to find someone that will make big enough eyes on the lines. I never could find any premade that would fit over my cleats. I had to have them made.

[Captain Ralph]

In post #2, I commented "This is normal dockside tie up, not storm ties".
Quick weather, lots of wake and large tide swings (line angle changes) should be all be considered when selecting a line type.
I would rather not get more into securing for a storm in this thread, just regular dock ties.

IMO;
Twisted does offer more stretch and shock absorbing ability than typical braid.
Twisted may not last as long.
Long lines last longer, Twisted or braided.
The shorter the line, IMO, the more stretch I would want in it, the shorter its life.

We have lived on our boat for many years, fixed and floating docks.
Currently living back on shore but less than 100 feet away. And of course, on board near daily (as now).
We look our lines over often and when they look poor, reach in the box and grab a fresh one (or not as old). In over 20 years, we have still had a couple of surprises and failed lines.
We have also drug anchor and run aground. Ship happens..
It is boating and we have learned some good lessons with minimal fuss.

We all have ideas on lines. Probably from good lessons learned also.
nmcafee has asked but his next best answers will be what he has already learned and what dock line adventures have in store for him.

Lets all check our lines this weekend. Stay well & safe.

[Captain Ralph]

Probably not the cheapest lines to be had, but the finest. At the same time we retired, so did our sales rep shortly after. So I can offer no contact name.
https://southeastrigging.com/cordage

I would encourage all in the south east to open a new line of contact and relax with finest lines holding you down.

They also delivered a fine, single length of chain for our new windlass a few years ago.

[Sadey]

If you order from Defender double check the eye measurement. The ones I ordered were not as advertised. I don’t remember the size, but I ordered them large enough to go through the center of the cleat, then around each horn. I contacted Defender about it and they offered a significant discount if I wanted to keep them or a full refund for returning them. I chose to keep the lines at the steep discount. I’m thinking they were 3/4” double braided.