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Dock Lines

Custom-spliced nylon dock lines, hand-finished to your exact length and available in 20 colors — only from ROPE.com. Or choose premium double braid dock line from New England Ropes and Marlow. Shock-absorbing nylon and polyester, sized by vessel length and sold by the foot, pre-spliced, or cut to order for docking, mooring, and anchoring.

Black double braid dock line coiled and cleated on a dock
Dock Lines
Sailboat on a mooring buoy
Mooring Lines
Boat bow with anchor lines over turquoise water
Anchor Lines
New England Ropes sailboat under full sail
Sailboat Rigging
Motoryacht docked on the waterway
Yacht Lines
Tender under tow on a tow line behind a vessel
Tow Lines
Commercial tugboats moored at dock
Commercial Vessels
Galvanized anchor shackle and rope thimble
Accessories
Dock Line Finder

Choose Vessel Length

ft
1/2" Double Braid Dock Line
Nylon double braid · Recommended for 25 to 35 ft vessels
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Collections

Dock Lines

Our collection of dock lines has the best prices on our most popular lines. We offer 20 vibrant colors, 100% high quality double braid nylon. Dock lines available in a wide range of diameters with optional handmade custom splicing.

Showing Products 1 - 24 of 66

Dock Line Construction Guide

How we build a dock line — click to shop each

Nylon double braid dock lineDouble Braid Solid Colors
Sold by the Foot

Nylon Double Braid

Braided cover • braided core
Diameter: 1/4″–2″
Material: Nylon
Stretch: Moderate

Smooth, round braid that stretches to absorb tides and passing wakes. 20 colors up to 3/4″, plus black & white yacht rope to 2″. Cut to any length — available with custom splicing and your choice of whipping twine colors.

Best for: Everyday dock lines
Shop by the Foot →
Marlow Blue Ocean recycled dock lineMarlow Blue Ocean
Recycled Polyester

Blue Ocean Eco Dock Line

Marlow • braided from recycled bottles
Diameter: 1/2″–5/8″
Material: Recycled Polyester
Stretch: Low

Marlow’s premium dock line, braided from 100% recycled plastic bottles. The same tough abrasion resistance and shock absorption as their standard dock line — supple, easy to handle, and easy on the water it works in.

Best for: Eco-minded boaters
Shop Blue Ocean →
Polyester double braid dock lineSta-Set Polyester
Low Stretch

Polyester Double Braid

Firmer, lower-stretch braid
Diameter: 3/16″–3/4″
Material: Polyester
Stretch: Low

A firmer braid with less give for a taut tie-up and clean handling. New England Sta-Set and Marlow premium dock line.

Best for: A firm, premium hold
Shop Polyester →

Marine Rope FAQ

Common questions from boaters and riggers

What is the best rope for dock lines? +
Nylon is the standard material for dock lines. It stretches under load, which absorbs shock from tides, wakes, and wind gusts. Double braid nylon is the most popular construction for its smooth handling and durability. 3-strand twisted nylon is a proven, spliceable alternative that costs less.
What size dock line do I need for my boat? +
The general rule is 1/8 inch of rope diameter for every 9 feet of boat length. For a 30-foot boat, that means 1/2 inch dock lines. For a 45-foot boat, 5/8 inch. For boats over 50 feet, 3/4 inch or larger. Dock lines should be at least 2/3 the length of the boat for bow and stern lines, and longer for spring lines.
What is the difference between nylon and polyester rope for boats? +
Nylon stretches under load and absorbs shock. It is the standard for dock lines, mooring, and anchor rode where you want the rope to give under surging forces. Polyester has minimal stretch and holds its shape under load. It is the standard for sailboat running rigging, halyards, and sheets where you need precise control. Both are widely used on boats.
How long should my anchor line be? +
The standard scope ratio is 7:1, meaning 7 feet of rode for every 1 foot of water depth. In 20 feet of water, you need at least 140 feet of anchor rode. Most boats carry 150 to 300 feet of anchor line depending on where they anchor. 3-strand twisted nylon is the standard because it stretches well and splices easily to chain.
Should I use double braid or 3-strand for dock lines? +
Double braid nylon handles more smoothly, coils neatly, and looks cleaner on the dock. 3-strand twisted nylon is easier to splice, costs less, and performs just as well. Both are excellent for dock lines. Double braid is more common on larger boats and in marinas. 3-strand is popular with working boats and budget-conscious boaters.
Does polypropylene work for dock lines? +
Polypropylene floats and is lightweight, which makes it useful for ski tow lines, dinghy painters, and water rescue applications. However, it is not recommended for dock lines. It has lower strength, degrades faster in sunlight, and does not stretch enough to absorb shock loads the way nylon does.
What rope do I need for sailboat rigging? +
Halyards, sheets, and control lines need low-stretch polyester double braid for precise sail control. For racing, high-performance lines with Dyneema or Spectra cores reduce weight and stretch further. Line diameter depends on the boat size and the specific application. Larger boats need larger diameter lines to handle higher loads.
How often should I replace my dock lines? +
Inspect dock lines regularly for chafe, stiffness, discoloration, and broken fibers. In a typical marina environment, nylon dock lines last 3 to 5 years with proper chafe protection. Lines exposed to constant sun, heavy wakes, or rough pilings may need replacement sooner. If you see glazed or flattened spots from chafe, replace the line.

Why Boaters Choose ROPE.com

ROPE.com length meter cutting rope to order

Cut-to-Length

Buy exactly what you need

We cut every rope to order. Need 60 feet of dock line or 250 feet of anchor rode? You get that length, not a pre-packaged coil with waste.

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Marine rope brands under sail

Pro Brands Only

The names boaters trust

New England Ropes, Marlow, Samson, Yale, and our own ROPE.com line. Marine rope built for saltwater, sold direct.

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ROPE.com team splicing rope at the workbench

Rope Experts on Staff

Real people who know rope

Questions about diameter, splicing, or what your boat needs? Call us. We splice, cut, and test rope every day.

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Shop by Brand

The marine rope brands boaters trust

New England Ropes marine rope Marlow Ropes marine rope Samson Rope Yale Cordage marine rope ROPE.com house brand rope

Related Categories & Resources

Browse by sub-collection, brand, or related rope type

Marine Sub-Collections
Dock Lines Mooring Lines Anchor Lines & Rode Sailboat Rigging Lines Yacht Ropes Tow & Tender Lines Commercial Marine Rope Marine Hardware & Accessories
Shop by Brand
New England Ropes Yale Cordage Samson Rope Marlow Ropes Teufelberger Sterling Rope ROPE.com
Related Categories
Nylon Rope Polyester Rope Double Braid Rope 3-Strand Twisted Rope Polypropylene Rope Solid Braid Rope
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