Line questions

[viper1216]

Hey guys, couple of questions. I just picked up a new boat and need to get some dock line for it. It will only be used to tie it up to the dock while I park the truck, the boat is trailered. I went to my local marine store today and they have three strand nylon and also double braid nylon. The double braid nylon is about 10 bucks more. So curious which one I should get...I'm assuming 15' should be plenty. 2nd question, I will probably be launching by myself often, I want to go out fishing and stuff with my little guy who's 7, so will be launching solo. Did a lot of searching for methods and the one that I think will work best it to connect a line to one of eye hooks on the bow and then tie the other end to the trailer while I back down and float it. I was told to get a 25' line with a clip on it. Problem is, I can't find a line with a clip. Is there a line that exists for this purpose, or do I just make my own? I was figuring I would just grab a dock line that has the pre-spliced loop and then just put a clip on the end of it. Sound about right? I don't want to find out the hard way and be cursing as I swim after my boat.

Thanks!
Dave

 

[bruceb58]

Just tie the end to the trailer.

I only buy braided lines for dock lines.

 

[southkogs]

Learn to tie a bowline knot. That, a clove hitch and two half hitches, and you've got nearly all the staying power you need ... maybe the occasional square knot.

I trailer and launch solo like you, and I keep one 100' line on board. It'll act as temporary tie up, tow line and launching line. I forget what I paid for the one I have but, it's braided like Bruce suggested.

 

[Ned L]

My preference has always been for three ply (stranded). It can easily be spliced, so you can put an 'eye' in it whenever you need.
For the use you describe 3/8" would be plenty big enough (either braided or stranded).

 

[roffey]

I agree with above and you will like/need more rope. I used to self launch and found the more rope you have the better.

 

[tpenfield]

Yup, knot tying versus a clip braided in. The key thing is to have enoug line so that you can swing the boat around the end of the trailer and bring it close to shore for boarding.

Also, if you have enough time on your hands stick around the ramp and watch for those who forget to tie a line to their boat as they launch.

 

[viper1216]

Thanks for all the info guys. The ramp I usually use has a dock next to it, so luckily once I get it off the trailer, my plan is to pull it over to the docks and tie it up. Think a 50' line is long enough or should I go 100? I was also going to grab two either 15 or 25 foot lines for tying to the dock...think I can just buy one and then use the line I'm using for launching for the other?

 

[bruceb58]

Doesn't have to be very long at all if you have a dock RIGHT next to you. 20' would be plenty for that. Depends on if you can float your boat off the trailer. If so, you can just use your regular dock line.

 

[redneck joe]

I put all four 15 foot likes together when launching myself as my do k is a bit distant. Two of the four are connected using the eyes so easy seperation when needed

 

[robert graham]

3/8 inch braided nylon is large enough and soft enough to be easier on your hands than a twisted rope.....