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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. Pascal, Aug 21, 2023
    #21
    Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

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    Btw nobody mentioned megabraid lines but they are ideal for traveling as they are more flexible and coil much better.
  2. gr8trn, Aug 21, 2023
    #22
    gr8trn

    gr8trn Senior Member

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    Good point. I didn't think of that as that would be on the Lux side of dock lines for a sub 60' boat, no? I didn't think past double braid for this project as they are plenty of boat bucks already.
  3. chesapeake46, Aug 21, 2023
    #23
    chesapeake46

    chesapeake46 Senior Member

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    Do they make Megabraid in small diameters ? I thought Mega was larger in every respect and not well suited for smaller boats
  4. Pascal, Aug 21, 2023
    #24
    Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

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    I have some 3/4” but I think they start at 5/8”
  5. gr8trn, Aug 22, 2023
    #25
    gr8trn

    gr8trn Senior Member

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    Just took a look at new England Ropes and they list Mega Braid from 5/8" up to 1.5" which is 16mm to 36mm. Beautiful stuff that.
  6. LuvBigBoats, Aug 23, 2023
    #26
    LuvBigBoats

    LuvBigBoats Member

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    The breaking strength is considerably lower for mega braid compared to double braid and even 3 strand of the same diameter.
  7. Lunderic, Aug 29, 2023
    #27
    Lunderic

    Lunderic Member

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    I slightly disagree with some of the comments. I do use 3/4' for home dock (53' Viking). Home dock calm and well protected. I prefer Double braid for tying to the cleats on floating docks. I differ however on the size to carry when traveling. I snapped a new 3/4' line at a transient slip on the Hudson River when a ferry came through with a big wake. I have also been on Block Island when some storms come through. I use 1" to travel with and prefer 3 strand because I sometimes have to tie up to piles and they catch splinters on double braid. BTW the sound was spectacular when it snapped... sounded like a gunshot.
  8. LuvBigBoats, Aug 29, 2023
    #28
    LuvBigBoats

    LuvBigBoats Member

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    After doing a lot of research I think I'll use 7/8" double braid, with snubbers on the bow and stern given the relatively short length (not much ability to stretch). Breaking strength on 7/8" double braid is 28,100 and on 1" 3 strand is 25,000 (at Miami Cordage). Probably overkill in my marina, but I'd rather be on the stronger side. I don't tie up to wooden pilings so splinters on double braid aren't an issue. I may use 2 pieces of 1" 3 strand to tie up to the mooring ball at Avalon since it stretches more than double braid, and that way I'll have a set of 3 strand if I ever need to tie to wooden piling.
  9. Pascal, Aug 29, 2023
    #29
    Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

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    wakes are really tough on lines. If you re going to tie up to a transient dock in a spot with wakes, you definitely need bigger lines.
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