[MedSailor]

Squeaking and Creaking of Docklines and Fenders:

I have a solution for one, but not the other. I read, and have found works well, that if you pour soapy water over the offending fender that is rubbing and squeaking it will silence itself. Works like magic!

Now, as I sit here typing on my port setee, at a port tied slip, my docklines are squeaking and creaking in our gusty conditions this afternoon. It's annoying me. We don't have our normal docklines out as we just got back in and plan to go out tomorrow, and our normal docklines don't squeak.

So what makes dock LINES squeak when they are loaded? Do some line types squeak more than others? (3strand vs braid vs 8plait) Do they creak if they're undersized and strained or is small better for the stretch?

Our regular docklines are 3/4" 3 strand and are so old and stiff that I could use them as boat hooks in a pinch so I'm looking to replace them. I just want to make sure I get the right size and type for minimal squeakage and creakage this windy winter.

MedSailor