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I don't know if this topic has been done to death, but I am interested
in finding out what various boaters use for dock lines. The
information on the internet can be very confusing, and I have seen web
sites that recommend completely different rope sizes for the same size
boats. The rule of thumb is 1/8 inch diameter for every 9 feet of
boat. This is also what West Marine says in their literature. Other
sites say that boats over 25 feet, for instance, should use 1/2 rope.
I have moored my Bayliner 2859 all winter with just 3/8 inch lines, but
it has been in a protected slip.
Suggestion: select the heaviest line you can reasonably use with your
cleats. One wouldn't need 5/8" line for a little runabout, for example,
which is a good thing because most have cleats that will just about do
maybe 3/8. If it seems like there is a huge surplus of space on or
under the cleat when you are made fast to the dock, odds are the mfgr
envisioned larger mooring lines than are being used and that could be
an initial indicator that a larger diameter line would be a better
choice.
This is correct. My boat is just slightly larger than yours, and I use 1/2"
lines, which is what I would suggest for your boat as well. On the other
hand, if your cleats are too small to comfortably accept an adequate number
of turns of 1/2" line, then the better choice would be to drop down to the
next size and just make sure that the lines are always in good shape and
free from deterioration from the elements. Use good quality nylon lines,
either three-strand or braided. Also, I would make a personal
recommendation, since it appears that your boat is permanently slipped, to
use rubber dock line snubbers. These will substantially ease the strain on
your lines, cleats and chocks, and make it much more comfortable to be
aboard while slipped, especially if you are sleeping aboard. No more harsh
effect when boat movement within the slip sharply takes up the last bit of
line slack..
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