Dock lines are used to secure your boat to a dock or to another boat when rafting, either semi-permanently or temporarily. They come in various sizes to suit the many different sizes of boats out there.
In this article, we’re going to review some of the best dock lines for a larger boat on the market right now. We know how difficult it can be to find a good dock line, let alone one that works for your boat, so we’re going to help you find one. Read on for the reviews.
Dock Line For Larger Boat Reviews
Rainer Supply Co 15ft. Premium Dock Line
Starting off our list strong is this 15-foot premium dock line from Rainer Supply Co. They come in packs of four, so if you accidentally damage or break one, you’ll know that you have three more backups, saving you money in the long run.
Review
The double braided nylon that is used to make the Rainer Supply Co premium dock lines is extremely strong and boasts a higher tensile strength than many other dock line materials. By design, it features an ideal combination of increased shock absorption and decreased stretch, in addition to providing a long usage life in saltwater environments.
The ropes are soft and made from double braided nylon to allow for docking that is easy on your boat and comfortable to handle, preventing your hands from becoming chafed and cut. They are heat-treated and professionally whipped at the throat to ensure that they stay durable for years.
The Good
One of the best things about these dock lines is that they have a professionally spliced eyelet. We also appreciate the heat treatment that the ends receive, as well as the professional whipping at the throat. Their long lifespan ensures that you won’t have to buy replacements for quite some time, which can save you plenty of money in the long run.
The Bad
One thing that a few buyers reported is that these ropes tended to fray after being used excessively.
Pros
- Double braided nylon
- High tensile strength
- Increased shock absorption
- Decreased stretch
- Long saltwater lifespan
Cons
- May fray from excessive use
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Regatta Marine Essentials Double Braided Nylon Dock Line
The name really says it all here. Like the previous dock lines, these ropes are made from double braided nylon, which, as you know, provides extra strength and a longer lifespan. The Regatta Marine Essentials ropes also come in convenient packs of four.
Review
Each of the ropes in this Regatta Marine Essentials set of dock lines measures 15 feet in length, with a 12-inch eyelet length at one end. That means you’ll have more than enough rope to secure your large boat to a dock or to another boat. Since you get four ropes in one secure plastic pack, you’ll have more than enough backups to last you dozens of voyages on the water.
These ropes were specifically designed for general use and are best conditioned for mooring and docking medium and large-sized common vessels. So, if you’re operating from a larger boat, then these ropes will be great for you.
The Good
Like we mentioned earlier, these dock lines are made from double braided nylon, which is quite common for large boat dock lines. It boosts the lifespan and durability of the ropes to ensure that you can use them for years and not need to replace them. It also prevents chafing to avoid weathering – another nice bonus.
The Bad
The one problem that we have with these dock lines has to do with their abrasion resistance or lack thereof.
Pros
- Comes in packs of four
- Designed for general use
- Double braided nylon
- Resistant to chafing
- Avoids weathering
Cons
- Poor abrasion resistance
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BoaterTech Double Braided Nylon Dock Lines
Here we have another set of four double braided nylon dock lines. However, this time, they’re from BoaterTech, a less popular boating equipment manufacturer. These are some of the more affordable boat lines on this list, making them great for boaters on a budget.
Review
These double braided nylon dock lines feature bonus storage tying straps to make handling them easy when you are not using them. Their durable composition makes them ideal for securing your larger boats in the event of high waves and rough, windy weather conditions.
They are thick and soft in the hand, so you can handle them and let them slide through your palms without worrying about your hands becoming chafed or cut. They feature high-quality stitching and are suitable for mooring, anchoring, and docking medium and larger boats.
The Good
One of the best things about these BoaterTech dock lines is that they are highly resistant to elements like oil, saltwater, UV rays, and chemicals. They will last you dozens of boating trips, and you don’t just have to use them for docking your boats. They are multi-purpose and can be used for events like camping or moving house.
The Bad
An issue we have with these ropes has to do with the straps used to secure them when you are not using the ropes to dock your boat. They can feel quite flimsy, and the velcro on them can wear away over time.
Pros
- Bonus storage tying straps
- Can withstand rough weather conditions
- Soft in the hand
- High-quality stitching
- High resistance
Cons
- Storage straps can feel flimsy
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Amarine Made Double Braided Nylon Dock Lines
Amarine Made understands how important it is for your dock lines to keep your boat still when you dock it, which is why they made these sturdy, double-braided nylon ropes. They are perfect for ensuring that your boat does not move, and they’re also some of the longest ropes on this list.
Review
When docking your boat, it is essential that you limit its movement while also ensuring that it absorbs any shock that is created by waves. Amarine Made’s dock lines provide high shock absorption and low stretch to ensure that you can tie your vessel to a gas dock or marina without it lifting.
These lines measure in at 20 feet, making them some of the longest lines on the market and certainly on this list. They have a spliced 12-inch soft eye, as well as a heat-sealed bitter end. The double braided nylon prevents chafing and boosts strength, ensuring that your boat doesn’t go anywhere while it’s docked.
The Good
We appreciate the nylon that was used to make these ropes because of its superior strength and shock absorption ability, as well as its easy handling. It is resistant to saltwater, acids, oils, abrasions and resists UV rays very well, making these ropes a very durable choice for large boat owners.
The Bad
Unfortunately, the double braiding does not make these ropes resistant to fraying, and you might notice some fraying after a few months of use.
Pros
- Limits boat movement while docked
- High shock absorption
- Low stretch
- Very long
- Double braided nylon
Cons
- May fray after a few months
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Innocedear Double Braided Nylon Boat Line
To end off this list, we have these double-braided nylon boat lines from Innocedear. If you’re looking to secure your ship in severe weathering, then look no further – these are some of the strongest ropes on the market right now.
Review
Innocedear’s superior marine quality double braided ropes can handle any docking job. They are extremely durable and sturdy and are resistant to chafing and fraying. They are also able to withstand just about any harsh weather condition and are resistant to elements like mold, salt, and UV rays.
You can easily tether your large, heavy boat without worrying about the ropes rotating or kinking. They also come in packs of four, so you can have a few backups in the event that one of the ropes snaps or becomes too damaged to use.
The Good
The double braided nylon of these ropes gives them the strength you need to keep your boat securely docked or moored. They are perfect for use on medium and large vessels and measure in at 15 feet, which is more than enough for docking your large boat.
The Bad
The only real gripe we have with these ropes is that they are not very budget-friendly. They are the most expensive ropes on this list, so if you’re looking to save as much money as possible, we recommend trying one of the other lines on this list.
Pros
- Very durable and sturdy
- Resistant to fraying
- Can withstand harsh weather
- No kinking
- Prevents rotating
Cons
- Expensive
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Buyer’s Guide
Before purchasing dock lines, take a look at the various points you should consider.
What is a Dock Line?
Dock lines are special ropes that are used to secure your boat to a dock or to another boat when you are rafting. They come in varying lengths, thicknesses, and sizes and are made from a number of materials, though as you can see, the most common dock line material is double braided nylon.
Safety
You will want to ensure that the dock line you are buying is safe to use in that it is strong enough and long enough to secure your boat in relation to its size and weight. Most manufacturers will specify the weight and size of the boat that their dock lines can handle.
Stability
The dock lines that you use will need to be firm enough to ensure that your boat does not move around too much while it is docked. If not, then you might find your boat either floating away or smacking into the dock.
Flexibility
In a similar vein, the dock lines you use will need to be flexible enough to handle a little bit of rocking while your boat is docked so that they don’t snap, which could result in your boat drifting away.
Material
There are a number of materials used to make dock lines, but double-braided nylon is considered to be the most favorable, thanks to its superior strength and durability, as well as resistance to chafing and the elements.
Length
The length of the dock line you use will relate to the length of your boat. You should check the suitable dock line length for your boat before purchasing any dock lines.
Conclusion
Dock lines are an essential tool for any boater to have, as they are responsible for keeping your boat where you left it and preventing it from floating away. We hope that we were able to help you find your perfect dock line. Happy sailing!