--- title: Which Docklines Should You Get for Your Boat? description: While line handling is critical when you’re docking your boat, you need to make sure you are using the correct lines. image: https://blog.duncanseawall.com/hubfs/Docklines.jpeg --- [![duncanseawall-logo-light](https://blog.duncanseawall.com/hs-fs/hubfs/DUN%20Logos/duncanseawall-logo-light.png?width=191&height=53&name=duncanseawall-logo-light.png "duncanseawall-logo-light")](https://www.duncanseawall.com) [![duncanseawall-logo-colored](https://blog.duncanseawall.com/hs-fs/hubfs/DUN%20Logos/duncanseawall-logo-colored.png?width=191&height=53&name=duncanseawall-logo-colored.png "duncanseawall-logo-colored")](https://www.duncanseawall.com) [![Contact Us](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/418824/5391dabf-9166-4997-a2d6-f2d45cd0a659.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/418824/5391dabf-9166-4997-a2d6-f2d45cd0a659) Seawall, Dock & Boat Lift Blog [![Docklines.jpeg](https://blog.duncanseawall.com/hubfs/Docklines.jpeg) ](https://blog.duncanseawall.com/which-docklines-should-you-get-for-your-boat) # Which Docklines Should You Get for Your Boat? Dec 14, 2016 2:00:00 PM by [Duncan Seawall](https://blog.duncanseawall.com/author/duncan-seawall) 0 Comments - - - ![Docklines.jpeg](https://blog.duncanseawall.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Docklines.jpeg?width=416&name=Docklines.jpeg)Here’s what sailors say: If it’s on the ground, it’s a rope. If it’s on a boat, it’s a “line.” When you’re docking your boat, line handling is critical;[securing your boat](https://blog.duncanseawall.com/tips-for-tying-your-boat-to-a-dock) at the dock takes skill, and maybe a little luck. ***Related Blog: [Best Materials and Brands for Your Florida Dock Project](https://blog.duncanseawall.com/best-material-and-brands-for-your-florida-dock-project)*** ## **Docklines: Size Matters** ### **Width** When you’re docking, having the wind behind you helps, but so does having the right size docklines. Your[line size](http://www.boatus.com/boattech/articles/docklines.asp) (width) depends on the length of your boat: - Under 20' can use 3/8" lines - 20'-30', 1/2 " lines - 30'-40', 5/8" lines - Over 40', 3/4" lines Lines that are too small to secure your boat are a problem. Lines that are “too big” can do more good than harm, so you may consider going to the next size for additional strength. ### **Length** Cleats are metal fixtures on your boat and on the dock to which you loop and affix your lines. The length of line from your boat’s cleat to the dock should equal at least two-thirds of the length of your boat. For example, if you have a 20' boat, 14' lines are a good length. *This does not apply to spring lines. *Your spring lines should be equal to your boat’s length and then some, so your 20' boat should have spring lines at least 25' in length. ## **Dockline Material** Nylon is exceptionally well suited for dock lines. Avoid all ropes labeled polyester, Dacron, Kevlar, or Spectra. The[right rope](http://www.boatus.com/boattech/articles/docklines.asp) for dock lines is good, old-fashioned nylon. Smaller nylon lines are usually “laid” or “braided” for additional strength, and for marine lines, braided is the best option. Laid lines have three or more twisted strands, and you can find them in hardware stores. It’s a good price, but it tends to kink. Braided lines have more strands, run smoothly, and shouldn’t kink, but they are more likely to snag. ## **Your Lines’ Longevity** Chafing impacts your lines’ longevity, but you can control line chafing. Examine the dock/boat hardware for jagged edges. If there’s any rough metal that comes in contact with your lines, file it down. Here’s an old sailors’ trick for lines that are tied to the dock for extended periods of time: Fire hose material is a super-strong fabric, usually a weave of spun polyester and/or filament nylon. You can cut the nozzle-end off a fire hose and thread your dock lines through it, ensuring the lines are protected at typical chafe points: the cleats and the rub rail or toe line of your boat. You may be a part-time boater, but your boat is an investment, and your dock lines can help keep it free from damage. ## [**Duncan Seawall, Dock & Boat Lift**](https://www.duncanseawall.com/) To learn more, download your free copy of our[ Complete Guide to Docks](https://www.duncanseawall.com/dock-guide), but your line material and line-tying skills won’t do much good if your dock is choppier than the water. Call 941-351-1553 or[contact](https://www.duncanseawall.com/contact-us) Duncan Seawall, Dock & Boat Lift to discuss docking options. We build durable docks for large commercial vessels as well as small runabouts and watercraft. Also, check out our photo[gallery of docks](https://www.duncanseawall.com/gallery/docks) to see the variety of styles from which you can choose! [![Ultimate Guide to Docks](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/418824/4ac0266c-854d-4785-bee7-b609de1a0a06.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/418824/4ac0266c-854d-4785-bee7-b609de1a0a06) [docks](https://blog.duncanseawall.com/topic/docks) ### Subscribe to our blog ### Recent Posts ![feature image](https://blog.duncanseawall.com/hubfs/social-suggested-images/hurricaneseason11916.jpg) [ How to Prepare Your Boat in Case of a Hurricane in Sarasota, Florida ](https://blog.duncanseawall.com/how-to-prepare-your-boat-in-case-of-a-hurricane-in-sarasota-florida) Jul 6, 2026 9:00:00 AM ![feature image](https://blog.duncanseawall.com/hubfs/springline101315.jpg) [ What is a Spring Line and How do I Use One? ](https://blog.duncanseawall.com/what-is-a-spring-line-and-how-do-i-use-one) Jun 22, 2026 9:00:00 AM ![feature image](https://blog.duncanseawall.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/docks20.png) [ Why Boardwalks Are Important for Waterfront Properties and Marine Construction ](https://blog.duncanseawall.com/why-boardwalks-are-important-for-waterfront-properties-and-marine-construction) Jun 15, 2026 9:30:00 AM ### Download Our Product Catalog [![ProductCatalog](https://blog.duncanseawall.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Emails/ProductCatalog.png?noresize&width=487&name=ProductCatalog.png)](https://www.duncanseawall.com/product-catalog)[Download](https://www.duncanseawall.com/product-catalog) ### Download Our Complete Guide to Seawalls [![DuncanSeawallGuideFan](https://blog.duncanseawall.com/hs-fs/hubfs/DuncanSeawallGuideFan.png?width=700&name=DuncanSeawallGuideFan.png)](https://www.duncanseawall.com/seawall-guide) [Download](https://www.duncanseawall.com/seawall-guide) ![Logo-footer-DuncanWhite](https://blog.duncanseawall.com/hs-fs/hubfs/ResizedDuncanseawall/Logo-footer-DuncanWhite.png?width=130&name=Logo-footer-DuncanWhite.png "Logo-footer-DuncanWhite") Duncan Seawall, Dock & Boat Lift is Southwest Florida’s largest full-service marine contractor, offering seawall construction, dock building, boat lift installation, and marine construction services. 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