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Dock Lines: Double Braid vs. 3-Strand

Discussion in 'General Yachting Discussion' started by LuvBigBoats, Aug 18, 2023.

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  1. LuvBigBoats

    LuvBigBoats Member

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    Sorry for such a basic question. Always used double braid, but figured this time around I'd do some research and it seems like the majority of opinions favor 3-strand for docking because of the stretch.

    Trying to figure out what to use for my 62' Offshore.

    Thinking of getting 1" 3 strand for both bow/stern as well as spring lines.

    Thoughts, suggestions?
  2. Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    Well, you kind of answered your own question.
    How much stretch do you want?

    <<-----
    58' MY
    We used to live on board. We used 3/4" twisted as normal ties up lines. This really helps cushion the ride in the slip.
    For storms, two sets of twisted drawn tight and one or two lines of braided not so tight on each cleat (8 cleats) in long spider web patterns.
    I have the inventory of 3/4, 1 & 1 1/4" of all to select from for storm lines.
    My idea is the twisted will stretch and the braided stops the stretch before the line becomes over worked.
    Slows that snap down on the cleats also.

    When the storm has passed, trash the damaged and over worked rope and go back to 3/4" twisted lines.
    Oh, most of my lines have marks or ribbons every 20'. Others are already at known lengths.
    Anything beyond known lengths is bad rope and gets trashed.

    IMO, your 62' Offshore could use lots of 1" twisted.

    Another thought, Chalks, Hawse pipes and cleats on your Offshore,, what size lines are they prepared to take?
  3. Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    What are you using them for? If for a Hurricane, it's a toss up, double braid is a good bit stronger to the diameter and doesn't get stiff as quickly as 3 strand. I've seen double braid stretch plenty (18-24") on a 3/4 line.

    If this is not for a hurricane, 1" is way too thick for day to day use and not necessary. Do you even have the cleats for it? 3/4" double braid is almost overkill for that size boat, but probably what I'd go for.
  4. Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

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    I use 3/4 double braid on my 53 in my home slip. Never had an issue even in 50 kts squalls.

    For raveling I use 5/8 and they’re lighter to move around the boat.

    it also also depends on how exposed you are to chop and wakes. If really exposed then use 1” otherwise 3/4 is fine.
  5. LuvBigBoats

    LuvBigBoats Member

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    It's in SoCal, funny thing and completely unrelated to the original question, we're expecting a storm Sunday with winds around 40 mph. Surges could be a problem, which leads me to another question.

    I have an end tie. Several fenders. Is the conventional wisdom to tie up to the dock tight or leave some slack in this situation. I don't have a place to tie up to port.

    On the original question, sounds like 3/4" should do it, 1" could be overkill. May settle on 7/8".

    For now I have a combination of 1" and 3/4" double braid so should be OK. The original question relates to the fact that I was to replace all of them to have a newer look and feel.
  6. Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    IMO, 3/4" twisted.
    Not as pretty or fancy looking but reliable.
    Something else;
    Any new line will stretch a bit. Some of my regular lines are sloppy when we leave the dock. On return a few days later, we wonder if we have the correct lines in hand (we leave them on the dock).
    Lines will shrink a bit if not kept in a working position. Twisted or braided.
    Moral; don't splice a loop in each end for that custom or fitted look. Eye on one end only and a nice whipping on the other (over length) end.
  7. LuvBigBoats

    LuvBigBoats Member

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    Thanks--yes, definitely not planning on splicing both ends.
  8. Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    Floating dock? Tie tight, the dock floats with the boat and you don't get a lot of force on the lines 3/4" lines would be fine for darn near anything in your size boat. 1" is way overkill, unless you're talking about 70+ MPH winds or 2' seas at your dock.
    LuvBigBoats likes this.
  9. Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    In reading about that storm coming up to S Cal, Got a great joke about Hilary;
    NWS has declared that any loss of life to be called a suicide. As with any deaths before, around her,,,,

    The NWS, IMO, has done a poor job in predicting this storm also.
    Last SWAG;
    Screenshot 2023-08-18 at 22-35-14 Windy as forecasted.png

    I would advise, get out of the hills and move on your boat.
  10. LuvBigBoats

    LuvBigBoats Member

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    Thanks.
    Tight as in pressed against the fenders?
  11. Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    Floating finger dock? Snug and over to the far side and to the boat on the other side of the same floating dock.
    No need for the boats to beat against the floating dock.
    Just in case, NOT to the pile the floating dock rides on.
    Spider web out if you can tie to anything solid and high.
  12. LuvBigBoats

    LuvBigBoats Member

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    It is a floating finger dock but not sure what you mean by "to the boat on the other side of the same floating dock". The boat on the starboard is in a slip, and tying to it does the same thing as tying to the dock. The only other boat is 20' away on another end tie with his starboard facing my port (he's tied up on port). Are you saying I should ask if I could tie up to his starboard side?
  13. Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    Yes Snug, but allow for a teeny bit of wiggle.......
  14. Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    All boats should be secured to docks or shore, other boats can spider web off of them.
    If lines fail, other lines may still hold the boat in place.

    Scope or angle of lines help also.
    Hard to tie your boat to a floating dock when the lines are vertical.
    More line out, more stretch and less snapping on the cleats also.

    At the last minute is not the time to be receiving advice on tying up a boat.
    When in doubt, open up a Chapman.
    End View.jpg Overhead.jpg
  15. LuvBigBoats

    LuvBigBoats Member

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    Thanks for that. Turns out this storm will not be a big deal. Added an additional stern line across to the cleat on the next dock over and tightened things up. That should do it.
    Thanks again Capts J and Ralph
  16. Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    So I am assuming you don't live on a hill side. I fear the Sliding Muck factor will be the main issue to come.
  17. LuvBigBoats

    LuvBigBoats Member

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    I have a large downhill slope in my backyard but it's a good 70' from my house and we had a very wet winter with no ill effects so should be fine.
  18. Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    Please update us come Monday.
  19. DOCKMASTER

    DOCKMASTER Senior Member

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    As to your original question on double braised vs 3 strand I would go double braid and not 3 strand. The reason is that double braid bends and works around fixtures much better than stiffer 3 strand. Try wrapping each type on a cleat and I suspect you will quickly see the advantage of double braid. Same thing if your lines go through any chocks. I also don’t like how 3 strand gets stiffer with age. I also agree with others that 3/4” double braid is ample for your boat.
    Dock1 likes this.
  20. LuvBigBoats

    LuvBigBoats Member

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    Thanks

    Storm ended up not so bad for us. Haven't been down to the dock but the reports from the area were gusts in the mid-30s which is pretty mild given what we've had in past storms. Just a lot of rain in a pretty short period. Hopefully helps some more with the drought conditions.