Dock Line Source

kirk a

kirk a

GreatGrady Captain
Joined
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Location
Massachusetts
Model
Express 330
Just had my reminder from a West Marine email that I need to replace the dock lines for my 330 this winter - where is the preferred vendor for these? Planning on braided lines, 5/8".

Thanks
 
kirk a said:
Just had my reminder from a West Marine email that I need to replace the dock lines for my 330 this winter - where is the preferred vendor for these? Planning on braided lines, 5/8".

Thanks
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Dock lines can be purchased just about anywhere - I wouldn't say there's really a "preferred" vendor or anything like that. But a company like NE Ropes is a known-good manufacturer. However, if you buy from a local store you should be getting good ropes from them, as well.

BUT... how does WM know you need new ones? Sounds like a scam to get some money from you.

There is absolutely no "set time" to replace them. Replacement is done on an as-needed basis. Inspect them. Wash them if you want and then soak in water/fabric softener. Should be good to go after that.
 
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LOL sorry for not being clear. I made a mental note last fall that my lines needed replacing. The email came today, which reminded me that I needed to replace them. Of course, it would be a lot funnier to say that I was just telling my wife that I need to buy dock lines last night and big brother notified WM who sent me an email...
 
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WM is having a dockline sale right now, so BIg Brother may know already...
 
With respect to line diameter, it is a general rue that it should be 1/16 inch times the length of the dock or boat cleat in inches. For example a 6 inch cleat would best fit a 3/8 inch line. 8 inch takes a 1/2 in line and a 10" cleat suits a 5/8 line.
You should select a line diameter based on the cleats on your boat and hopefully your dock cleats are a similar size.
I use braided nylon as it has a bit of stretch. It does get stiff over time and when it is a pain to undo a line because it is stiff, it's time to replace
 
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kirk a said:
LOL sorry for not being clear. I made a mental note last fall that my lines needed replacing. The email came today, which reminded me that I needed to replace them. Of course, it would be a lot funnier to say that I was just telling my wife that I need to buy dock lines last night and big brother notified WM who sent me an email...
Click to expand...
Ha! OK, that's better! I gotta admit, I was a little worried :) Either that, or I was going to send you an email that stated it was time to send Dennis some money.....
 
kirk a said:
Just had my reminder from a West Marine email that I need to replace the dock lines for my 330 this winter - where is the preferred vendor for these? Planning on braided lines, 5/8".

Thanks
Click to expand...
5/8 is a pretty hefty line even for a 330... I would think.


The WM brand and the NE Ropes are both good when you get them on a big sale.
 
wspitler said:
I've used both 1/2 and 5/8. I prefer 1/2. It is plenty strong and much easier to cleat. 5/8 for heavy weather conditions maybe.
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Breaking strength aside, using a larger diameter line on a small cleat can be more prone to line slip.
 
Try Defender too. When they start to get stiff just run them through the washing machine with fabric softener. 1/2" also tends to work better if you have multiple lines tied to a single cleat.
 
I agree 5/8 isn’t needed in general use. You might visit docks that can only use 1/2 or even 3/8 so have a few smaller lines on board just in case if you go larger
 
kirk a said:
Just had my reminder from a West Marine email that I need to replace the dock lines for my 330 this winter - where is the preferred vendor for these? Planning on braided lines, 5/8".

Thanks
Click to expand...
5/8" is the right size for the lines. I'd inspect. You can get several years out of them. I like the black ones from West Marine - just wait for a sale.
 
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