Rope Question

[barthel]

Evening all,

I have a SERIOUSLY dumb question if someone wouldn't mind taking a whack at it.

How long are your dock ropes? I'm not talking about shore anchor lines or long term mooring, just your basic "tie up the boat while I get the trailer in water" docking ropes.

I have only had jet ski's and they're about 6 feet. Is that long enough?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Rope Question

first, once they are on the boat, they are "lines."

your bow and stern lines should be at least the length of the boat. get one extra.

some people say have the bow line shorter than the boat so it can't get caught in the prop. That advice is for slackers.

 

[etracer68]

Re: Rope Question

There are NO Ropes on boats. Docking lines would be at least the lenght of your boat. First, thing my dad whipped into my head, as a kid, on his boat. I have never forgot it, and always let other people know it, when they say, "would you like me to handle the ropes".

 

[barthel]

Re: Rope Question

and always let other people know it, when they say, "would you like me to handle the ropes".

Will do, lines NOT ropes.

Thanks for the info, I wasn't sure how long my docking 'lines" needed to be.

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: Rope Question

Something my Dad always recommended - make your bow lines a hair shorter than the distance to the motor - keeps them out of the prop should they bounce or blow overboard while underway.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Rope Question

For launching and loading, I use one that is 10' longer than my trailer.

I clip it on the bow eye, release the winch strap and safety chain, and give it a push if needed.

When launching alone, I place the other end of the line over the winch post, back in till the boat floats off, pull ahead, and the boat is right there floating behind the trailer.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Rope Question

Long enough to work............

Short enough not to be a nuisance.......

What you feel comfortable storing without aggravation.........

 

[Philster]

Re: Rope Question

The answer to the question depends on local conditions. I've seen all sorts of crazy docking arrangements, especially when the docks are not floating and you have tidal waters.

Whatever length I typically use is subject to change.

 

[Fireman431]

Re: Rope Question

There are NO Ropes on boats. Docking lines would be at least the lenght of your boat. First, thing my dad whipped into my head, as a kid, on his boat. I have never forgot it, and always let other people know it, when they say, "would you like me to handle the ropes".

There ARE ropes on a boat. They are the coiled up spare lengths not being used (Grab a rope and come aft). Once they are tied to anything, they become a working line. If you told someone to grab a line and come aft, they would grab a line that was already tied off.

 

[L.A.Wise]

Re: Rope Question

guess we all had different teachers. Mine told me that "rope" was wire, and a line was some type of natural or synthetic fiber. Don't know that it really makes a bucket of snot though, unless you just have to be politically correct.

 

[CC245]

Re: Rope Question

There are NO Ropes on boats. Docking lines would be at least the lenght of your boat. First, thing my dad whipped into my head, as a kid, on his boat. I have never forgot it, and always let other people know it, when they say, "would you like me to handle the ropes".

There are ropes on boats. You use them to tow a skier or wakeboarder.

 

[Oshkosh1]

Re: Rope Question

Mine told me that "rope" was wire, and a line was some type of natural or synthetic fiber.

^^That's almost spot on^^...a ships b'osun wouldn't have a problem with it.

Also...

"RIGGING" is more correct to describe seafaring rope.
A "LINE" is a general term used to describe a "light" working rigging
A "HAWSER" is a term used to describe any line used for mooring or towing regardless of size.

So some of the definition depends on not only the physical make-up, but also it's use.

A hawser on a 21' pleasure boat would merely be considered line on an aircraft carrier.

 

[Jeep Man]

Re: Rope Question

Your docking lines can be as long as you want. And after the first one wraps around the prop, you will want them to be about 6 inches short of reaching the prop again.

 

[southkogs]

Re: Rope Question

Isn't a line running from the bow eye used to tie off to the pier a "bow painter?"

I actually keep 100' of line (single coil) on the boat. When I launch, I tie off to the bow cleat. I can tie off to the pier with that same line (and I can easily "slip" it if I'm alone), and it gives me a towing line should I need it. (Frankly, it comes in handy for all sorts of stuff). Unlike the ones I've seen people leave tied to the bow eye, this one is always IN the boat under way.

 

[Oshkosh1]

Re: Rope Question

Isn't a line running from the bow eye used to tie off to the pier a "bow painter?"

A painter(or sea painter) line usually refers to the bow line making fast one boat to another. Technically when mooring that line would be refered to as the bow line...followed by breast, spring and stern lines under normal situations.

 

[lakegeorge]

Re: Rope Question

My lines sray tied to cleats on my dock. They are 15ft and I could get by with 10ft. I keep longer lines on the boat. If you don't need to untie your lines because you have a well you don't need them the length of your boat.

 

[southkogs]

Re: Rope Question

A painter(or sea painter) line usually refers to the bow line making fast one boat to another. Technically when mooring that line would be refered to as the bow line...followed by breast, spring and stern lines under normal situations.

Well, by that standard in day-to-day hollerin' on board I'm probably hitting 50%. Not too bad

BTW Oshkosh, just caught the name of your Mirrocraft in your sig. Love it.

 

[sasto]

Re: Rope Question

.

some people say have the bow line shorter than the boat so it can't get caught in the prop. That advice is for slackers.

I agree....I have never heard of anyone around here keeping a bow line shorter for this reason. All lines come of the cleats before going underway. Always did and always will for me.

 

[jdlough]

Re: Rope Question

some people say have the bow line shorter than the boat so it can't get caught in the prop. That advice is for slackers.

I agree....I have never heard of anyone around here keeping a bow line shorter for this reason. All lines come of the cleats before going underway. Always did and always will for me.

That's funny, I took Home Cookin's advice to mean the exact opposite. That slackers (people with too much "slack" in their lines) should shorten them.

 

[Fireman431]

Re: Rope Question

...have the bow line shorter than the boat so it can't get caught in the prop.

By the rationale, the stern lines would only be 4-5' long. My personal opinion is to bring in all lines and secure appropriately before shoving off.