Shop braided dock lines at West Marine.

West Marine offers several types of braided nylon line that is suitable for anchoring and docking purposes. Line can be purchased in bulk by the foot, or in the case of pre-spliced dock lines, with a professionally spliced eye and finished (whipped) end. West Marine offers double-braid and 12-strand single braid nylon line, which as we say, can either be purchased by the foot or as pre-spliced dock lines.

Double-Braid Nylon Line

Double braid dock lines are made up of two braided layers, with an inner core of braided fibers encased in an outer braid of fibers. The double-braid dock line sold at West Marine is just like Sta-Set (used for running rigging) but made out of nylon instead. It stretches much less than three-strand (about (1/3 as much), is slightly stronger and much more expensive. Boaters like braided nylon dock lines because they look good, feel good and are available in a range of diameters, lengths and colors.

12-Strand Single Braid Nylon Line

12-strand single-braid line is made up of 12 individual strands braided together. Sold at West Marine as Mega Braid, it is very popular as large boat dock lines. Even in larger diameters, it feels limp in the hand, coils easily and does not hockle.

Pre-spliced dock lines are the most convenient choice.

Pre-spliced dock lines come ready to use right out of the package, which eliminates the need to spend time and effort splicing the line yourself. This is a great advantage for boaters who are not experienced with splicing or who do not have the necessary tools. West marine offers pre-spliced dock lines in a range of diameters and lengths and in a variety of colors.

Why are most docking and anchoring lines made of nylon?

Nylon line is used in boating applications where loads vary. In a typical anchoring or docking situation, in the presence of swell, wind and current action, mooring and dock lines must be able to sustain frequent shock loads that can stress the line and hardware such as boat or dock cleats. Nylon line, with its elasticity and ability to stretch, is able absorb these shock loads, which reduces stress on the line and the hardware to which it is attached.

For more help with selecting line for anchoring or docking purposes see our West Advisor article How to Choose the Right Dock Lines or read our recommendations here: Five of Our Best Dock Lines.