Marine Ropes

Marine-grade dock lines and anchor ropes engineered for saltwater environments. UV-resistant, durable construction for reliable boat mooring and anchoring.

6
Rope Options
2800-14400
Strength (lbs)
Marine
Grade
Boat dock with marine rope

Dock Lines vs Anchor Ropes

Understanding marine rope applications

Dock Lines

Best for: Boat mooring, securing vessels to docks, temporary tie-up

Dock lines are designed to keep your boat secured to a dock or slip. They need to be strong enough to handle wind and wave action while having enough stretch to absorb shock loads. Double-braid nylon is the most common construction, offering excellent strength, shock absorption, and durability. Often come with pre-spliced eyes for easy attachment.

  • Moderate stretch for shock absorption
  • Double-braid construction for strength
  • UV and saltwater resistant
  • Often includes pre-spliced eye loops

Anchor Ropes (Rode)

Best for: Boat anchoring, permanent mooring, heavy-duty applications

Anchor lines (rode) connect your boat to the anchor. They must handle significant loads and provide shock absorption during wave action. Three-strand twisted nylon is traditional and stretches well. Double-braid offers higher strength and less stretch. Rope diameter and length depend on boat size - typically 7x water depth minimum.

  • High breaking strength
  • Excellent shock absorption
  • 3-strand or double-braid construction
  • Saltwater and UV rated

Marine Rope Products

Marine-grade dock lines and anchor ropes

Marine Rope Sizing Guide

Choosing the right size for your vessel

Dock Line Sizing by Boat Length

Boat Length Recommended Diameter Minimum Breaking Strength
Up to 20 ft 3/8" 2,800 lbs
20-30 ft 1/2" 5,750 lbs
30-40 ft 5/8" 10,400 lbs
40+ ft 3/4" 14,400 lbs

Dock Line Length

Standard dock lines should be:

  • Bow & Stern Lines: 2/3 boat length
  • Spring Lines: Equal to boat length
  • Breast Lines: 1/2 boat length

Anchor Rode Length

Anchor line scope guidelines:

  • Minimum: 7:1 ratio (7 ft line per 1 ft depth)
  • Heavy Weather: 10:1 ratio recommended
  • Example: 20 ft depth = 140 ft minimum
Material Choices:
  • Nylon: Best overall for docking and anchoring. Excellent stretch (8-15%), shock absorption, and strength. Most popular choice.
  • Polyester: Lower stretch (3-6%) than nylon, better UV resistance. Good for permanent installations and areas with minimal wave action.
  • Double-Braid: Highest strength-to-weight ratio. Rope-in-rope construction. Easy to splice.
  • 3-Strand Twisted: Traditional, economical. Good stretch and shock absorption. Easy to inspect and splice.