Mooring & Dock Lines

Your one-stop shop for reliable dock lines and mooring lines

Here at Marine Depot, we carry a wide range of dock lines and mooring lines made from sturdy materials that can withstand the elements — whether you're looking for dock lines to hold your ship fast to the berth or mooring lines to secure your vessel at anchor, we’ve got what you need.

Shop our selection of dock lines and mooring lines online and enjoy free shipping on orders over $499*. Zip Money and Zip Pay are available!

Why do you need a dock line?

Dock lines are essential to mooring a vessel to a dock or any other fixed object. They provide the necessary tension to keep the vessel from moving away from the dock and can help absorb any shocks from waves or wind.

When selecting dock lines, it is important to consider the size of your vessel, the type of dock you will be using and the conditions you anticipate sailing in. For example, if you are docking in rough weather conditions, you will need dock lines that are strong enough to withstand the increased force. Additionally, if you have a large vessel, you will need dock lines that are long enough to reach from your vessel to the dock.

At Marine Depot, we carry a wide variety of dock lines to suit any vessel and sailing conditions. We have dock lines made from rope, chain or a combination of both, and in various lengths and diameters. We also carry dock lines with special features like double-braided construction for increased strength or UV-resistant materials for extended use in harsh sunlight.

Whether you're looking for basic dock lines or something more specialised, Marine Depot has the dock lines you need to keep your vessel securely moored. Browse our selection today and find the ideal dock lines for your boat.

How to choose dock lines

The most important consideration when choosing dock lines is the material. There are three types of dock lines: nylon, polypropylene and polyester. Each of these materials has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it's important to choose the right one for your needs.

Nylon: Nylon is a strong and durable synthetic fibre resistant to abrasion and UV damage. However, it is not as resistant to saltwater damage as other materials like polyester or polypropylene.

Polypropylene: Polypropylene is a synthetic fibre resistant to saltwater damage and UV damage. However, it can become brittle in cold temperatures, which is not ideal for all climates.

Polyester: Polyester is a strong and durable synthetic fibre resistant to abrasion, UV damage and saltwater damage. However, it is not as flexible as nylon or polypropylene, so it may not be the best choice for all applications.

If you need extra grip, look for dock lines with a braided or twisted construction.

You'll also need to consider the length and thickness when selecting dock lines. The length should be long enough to reach from your boat to the dock, plus a little extra so you can tie multiple knots. The rule of thumb is to have mooring lines that are at least 1.5 times the length of your boat. This will ensure you have enough lines to tie up securely, even in rough conditions.

As for thickness, 3/8" dock lines are typically sufficient for small to medium-sized boats. Larger boats may require 1/2" or even 5/8" dock lines.

FAQs about dock lines

• What is the difference between dock lines and mooring lines?

Dock lines and mooring lines are both types of mooring ropes, but there are a couple of key differences. Dock lines are shorter ropes that are used to secure a vessel to a dock or pier. Mooring lines are longer ropes that are used to secure a vessel to a mooring buoy or other anchor.

• How many dock lines do I need?

This is a common question that we get here at Marine Depot. The answer really depends on the size and type of vessel you have. For smaller vessels, two dock lines should be sufficient. For larger vessels, you may need four or more dock lines. If you're unsure how many dock lines you need, get in touch with our team today. We can provide expert recommendations and advice.

• How do I tie a dock line?

You can use several knots to tie a dock line, but the cleat hitch is the most popular. To tie a cleat hitch, start by wrapping the dock line around the cleat two or three times. Then, take the end of the dock line and tuck it under the wraps you just made. Finally, pull on the dock line to tighten the knot.

• What are some common dock line mistakes?

One of the common mistakes people make when tying dock lines is not ensuring the knot is tight enough. Another mistake is using too much slack in the line, allowing your boat to drift.

Be careful not to wrap the dock line around your fingers when tying it off as this can cause serious injuries.

• What are some common uses for mooring rope?

Mooring rope is most commonly used to secure ships and boats to docks, piers or mooring buoys. It is also sometimes used for other purposes such as towing, anchoring and lifting.

• What is the best way to store dock lines?

Dock lines should be stored in a cool, dry place when not in use. They can be coiled or wrapped around a cleat or other object but should never be left lying on the ground where they could become tangled or damaged.

• Where can I buy mooring lines?

Mooring lines are available from marine supply stores and online retailers. When shopping for mooring lines, be sure to choose a reputable retailer that offers high-quality lines at a fair price.

At Marine Depot, we offer a wide selection of mooring lines in various sizes and materials. We also offer Zip Money and Zip Pay financing options so you can get the dock lines you need without breaking the bank. Shop our selection of mooring lines today!

Shop dock lines and mooring lines online for free shipping over $499*

Whether tying up to a dock, mooring or anchoring, dock lines and mooring lines are essential to boating. At Marine Depot, we have a wide variety of dock lines and mooring lines to choose from to keep your boat secure.

We also offer Zip Money and Zip Pay financing options so you can get the dock lines or mooring lines you need without breaking the bank. Shop our selection today and be prepared for your next boating adventure!