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

They squeak on the part of the hull or chock they are rubbing on. We always stuffed old towels between the lines and the chocks to cut down on the noise.

I also wrap a rag or old towel scrap around my lines where they go through the hawse pipes. It's cheap and effective, makes all the difference in the world.

i use lanolin applied to the contact of the line and the chock/ cleat/ hawser where the line under load moves.
we lived aboard for 5 yrs in sf bay, lots of motion.
you can by hydrous lanolin at the drugstore in a tube, washes off aftewr a while or anyhrous that wont wash off, from a cosmetic supply house.
ds

A quick and easy way to silence squeaking dock lines that works on some boats is to lead the lines across the boat and use the cleat on the other side. This will reduce the angle at the chock. Also less chafe.

Candle wax comes to mind, though I've never tried it. I kinda like the creaking ....sounds shippy

.....until its 2am and you have to be up at 4am to go to work

I don't work anymore. It hurts me.

Yes, soap-laden water works for quite a while. A squirt of raw washing up liquid works too.

I have three strand nylon and have determined that it is actually the line that is stretching and creaking. I don't like "shippy" and haven't found a way to quieten them. I've tried pouring soapy water onto the line - no good. I guess that braided line is probably better.

Looks like I'll need to upgrade.

Andre