Docking my Pearson 26''

Steve Hall · #1 04-27-2002

Would be most grateful if someone could let me know what are the best types of docking lines to use for my Pearson 26'' that i have just purchased. It came with a mix and match set. Many thanks.
Steve Hall.

Jeff_H · #2 04-28-2002

I generally prefer New England Rope, premium nylon 3 strand. For a boat the size and weight of a Pearson 26, I would use 7/16" for my permanent dockines and anchor rode and 3/8" for the lines that I carried with me. Some people prefer to use a smaller diameter spring line and if that is your case, your permanent springlines might be 3/8 also.

I am not a big fan of braid for permanent docklines (not as good for chafe or UV) but I have used braid for lines that I carry on board when they came with the boat.Chafe protection is especially important with permanent docklines and I have used stitched on heavy canvas where a line tends to chafe as it is cheap and stands up to a lot of abuse.

Jeff

paulk · #3 04-28-2002

The reason you want 3-strand line for dockline and not braid is because the twisted line stretches more, and so gives the boat (and you) a gentler ride. People put people put 3-strand snubbers on their anchor chains for the same reason. We use braid docklines because we have lots of used leftover genoa sheets (braid), and we don''t tie up for much more than refueling and washing down, maybe once a month, for about an hour. If we tied up more, we''d use the braid to make turks'' head mats instead.

Irwin32 · #4 04-28-2002

I would not be comfortable with 3/8 line for that boat. It is not much more money to go to 1/2. If you do some cruising and end up in a less than desirable spot for the night, you will sleep better knowing you went a little higher on your dock lines. Another advantage of 3 strand is that it is much easier to splice.

Pangaea · #5 04-29-2002

I agree.Seven sixteehths or half inch three strand for dock lines and at least half inch for anchor lines for your boat.
And also, some three strand nylon will stretch up to forty percent before breaking.
(NewEngland rope IS the best)
Dennis

Steve Hall · #6 04-29-2002

Thanks to all for your input. It looks as though I will be replacing my docking lines with New England 3-braid line.