Mooring Lines
Mooring Lines
The term “mooring lines” as it is used here refers to several types of nylon rope, usually sold by the foot, that are used for anchoring, docking and mooring purposes. One quality common to all nylon line is its ability to stretch. The stretchiness of the line (as much as 16 percent at 15 percent of breaking strength) absorbs and reduces peak loads that are sustained by a boat and whatever it is tied to. Primary examples are dock lines, anchor lines, towing lines and permanent mooring lines. Varieties of mooring lines include three-strand nylon line, double-braid nylon line and single-braid nylon line.
Note: If you need to upgrade your dock lines, see our selection of pre-spliced dock lines. We offer them in a variety of lengths, diameters and colors and with a choice of single-braid, double-braid or three-strand construction. They all include a professionally-spliced eye and a finished end—which quite literally makes these lines a ready-made answer to docking needs.
New England Ropes Three-Strand Nylon Line
Used for dock lines, anchor lines and mooring lines, New England Ropes combines high-quality nylon fiber with a proprietary marine coating to produce line that is five times more abrasion-resistant when wet than any other nylon line. Consistent quality and abrasion resistance make it suitable for use with many windlasses. Stretch: 12 percent at 20 percent of breaking strength.
New England Ropes Double-Braid Nylon Line
15 percent stronger and with slightly less stretch than three-strand line, this is the easiest-to-handle double-braid line you can buy that stays flexible throughout its service life. The combination of high-grade marine nylon, torque-balanced construction and a unique stabilization process produces a long-wearing, easy-to-handle line that resists kinking. With controlled elongation and excellent abrasion resistance, this line is a good choice for dock lines, anchor lines (available in White/Gold only) and mooring lines.
Mega Plait (Single-Braid) Nylon Line
Offered in diameters from 5/8 inch up to 1 1/2 inch and breaking strengths up to 48,000 pounds, Mega Plait is favored for use on larger boats where great strength and ease-of-handling are desired. Supple yet firm, this unique, six-sided, 12-strand tandem braid resists hockling and can be used with manual and motorized windlasses without abrading or fraying.
Price Versus Strength Comparisons
Comparing one line to another can get confusing. To aid you in your buying decision some comparisons follow. The lists below use New England Ropes Nylon Three Strand Line as a baseline with an assigned value of 100 percent.
Price Comparisons
Premium Three Strand | 100% |
Black Three Strand | 127% |
Double Braid | 164% |
White Mega Braid | 173% |
Black Mega Braid | 210% |
Strength Comparisons
Black Mega Braid | 82% |
Black Three Strand | 87% |
White Mega Braid | 99% |
Premium Three Strand | 100% |
Double Braid | 110% |
Strength/Cost Comparison (Higher numbers are better)
Black Mega Braid | 53% |
Black Three Strand | 62% |
Double Braid | 69% |
White Mega Braid | 80% |
Premium Three Strand | 100% |
Questions?
For more help with selecting dock lines and mooring lines, browse our library of West Advisor articles. Helpful articles include Dock Lines, Selecting an Anchor Rode and Constructing a Permanent Mooring. Of course, West Marine associates are always ready to help at a store near you.