how thick should be a dock line

[lenarw79]

I'd like to buy a dock line and I don't know what size is better, how thick should be. I have pontoon boat 18' long, thx

 

[Grub54891]

Well if you know the toon weight,it helps. Most packaged lines have a stress limit,I usually go for overkill due to strong winds and weather when I'm away from the boat.

 

[HotTommy]

lenarw79,
I prefer braided dock line for its feel, strength and ease in wrapping and unwrapping the cleat. Thicker dock line is easier on my hands so I go for 7/16" or so. There are some videos on selecting dock lines that might be helpful. I've used 7/16" on my 24' pontoon boat and my 24' sail boat with never a break. Like all lines, it does need to be replaced periodically.

 

[ahicks]

Capacity is a thought, but I agree with above. It's about what feels good on your hands. Small stuff can have plenty of capacity, but you aren't going to like it when you need to give that line a good tug on occasion.

 

[robert graham]

I like a 3/8 braided nylon for it's kink-free characteristics, smoothness on hands, plenty strong, available everywhere.....

 

[lmuss53]

I got some of those Dockmates with the built in snubber, they are the best docking lines I ever had. PLEASE NOTE, I trailer my boat so the longest they are ever out is if we tie off to get something to eat. I looked for them here on iboats but I can't find them here. They run about $10 each and really make the boat easy to dock. You stretch them out and put them through the dock cleat and they snug themselves right back up, I've never seen them under a high wind situation I imagine they'd leave a little to be desired. For quick easy tie off for a short period of time they are the ticket.

 

[lmuss53]

I like the Airhead or Deckhands snubber lines for a quick and easy tie up. I don't dock my boat much so I can't say how they'd hold up to heavy winds.

http://www.iboats.com/Bungee-Dock-L...01947162--session_id.321800693--view_id.39011