2nd Edition

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Mooring

The usefulness of a dock line : The dock line is a rope, preferably in double stranded or braided nylon and provided with an eyelet at one end. It helps secure the boat to the dock or another boat upon mooring. The dock lines are available in various sizes and it is important to choose the correct diameter and length suitable for your boat. Whether it is a 17 feet or 40 feet, the rope remains an essential element to prevent it from moving back and forth or from side to side during docking. The following table will help you choose the moorings depending on the size of your boat.

Length
Of the boat

≤ 27'

28' - 32'

33' - 45'

46' - 54'

55' - 63'

64' - 72'

Diameter
(dock line)

 3/8

 1/2 ou 5/8

 5/8

 3/4

 7/8

1''

 

Once the good dock line is chosen for your boat, you probably will ask yourself: how should I attach  the boat at the dock? Here are some ways to do it:


Mooring alongside
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Mooring parallel to the quay

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Description: Nylon is a synthetic fiber, known for its resiliency and resistance to abrasion. It is 10% stronger than the polyester fiber.


Frequent questions :

  • How many dock lines do I need for my boat ?
    Usually 3 to 5, depending on how you moor the boat at the dock.
  • What lengths ?
    Normally we choose dock lines that are the boats length and other shorter. Shorter serve as our security cable and longest will be used and placed on several anchors of the boat and the dock. (See diagram above)

Important Reminder : Choose a suitable mooring and the right length is a very important decision to ensure a worry-free navigation. Against the moods of Mother Nature, a non-adequate mooring or wrong size may break and cause serious damage to the boat or even injure the occupants.


Happy boating !

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