GL: Dock Lines

[John & Judy Gill]

I don't think that it is necessary to re-engineer a boat because of
the size of the deck cleats.  Changing the size is a "major" job
because the bolt centers and sizes and ability to get underneath to
tighten nuts may be limited or nearly impossible.  First check the
holding strength of the good grade of nylon line you are about to
purchase (note nylon has much more strength than hemp which used to
be used and had far less load capacity.  Next, check your cleats to
see if you can put through a double line - side by side and make your
loop wide along enough to go around your cleat "horns" easily.  In
most cases, 3-strand nylon line will have a superior load capacity
than the same size braid on braid.

The bottom line is:  When in doubt, simply add an extra bow, stern or
spring line or two!!!
More lines versus thicker lines will always be better / safer.  Our
marina contract and many others actually specifies three (3) lines
forward and three (3) lines going aft!!!

Also, make sure that your loop has the same strength as your line.  A
3 strand nylon line properly spliced will have more holding strength
than a loop made using braid on braid or some of the newer "plastic
clamp" methods.

We use 3 strand, 5/8 inch nylon line on our 36 ft. Carver Mariner
(19,000 lbs) and have never had a problem.  Our anchor line has 40 ft
of chain and 250 ft of 9/16 inch line recommended by Good and
likewise no problem.

John and Judy Gill
Two Js, a 36 ft. Carver Mariner
Sassafras Harbor Marina, Georgetown, MD
AGLCA Loopers

Email:  < jjgill at twojscom.com >
Website:  <http://homepage.mac.com/twojscom/GreatLoop/>

=================================================================


On May 24, 2009, at 4:35 PM, Tommy Terrific wrote:

> SO, if you have small cleats you are destined to have small rope?
> I would change my cleats first!
> TT
>
> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Charles & Pat Culotta"
> <charlesculotta at gmail.com>
> To: <great-loop at lists.samurai.com>
> Sent: Sunday, May 24, 2009 3:35 PM
> Subject: GL: Dock Lines
>
>
>> A whole spool of line is a great idea, minimume 3/4 inch, one inch
>> is better
>>
>> Jon
>>
>>
>>
>> -------------------
>>
>>
>>
>> Jon, Bigger is better but and this is a big but----the size of the
>> line used
>> on a boat is DETERMINED BY THE SIZE OF THE CLEATS.
>>
>> Not many Taiwan or American trawler styles have cleats that will
>> handle >
>> inch line.
>>
>> Another consideration is stretch, I was given a full one inch rode
>> for my 45
>> ft trawler, I did not use it and gave it to a friend as it was too
>> much line
>> for my 4o,000 lb boat.
>>
>> This is my experience and as always, YMMV
>>
>> Check your cleats before pur of dock line.
>>
>> CCC
>>
>> PAT & CHARLES C. CULOTTA, JR.
>>
>> M/V CCRIDER
>>
>> SUPPORT OUR TROOPS
>>
>> charlesculotta.com
>> _______________________________________________
>> http://lists.samurai.com/mailman/listinfo/great-loop
>>
>> To modify your Great-Loop subscription options (change email address,
>> unsubscribe, etc.) go to: http://lists.samurai.com/mailman/options/
>> great-loop
> _______________________________________________
> http://lists.samurai.com/mailman/listinfo/great-loop
>
> To modify your Great-Loop subscription options (change email address,
> unsubscribe, etc.) go to: http://lists.samurai.com/mailman/options/
> great-loop