Dock lines, mooring lines, anchor rode, and sailboat rigging from the brands boaters trust. Shock-absorbing nylon for docking and anchoring, low-stretch polyester for halyards and sheets, and high-performance blends - sold by the foot and cut to the length your boat actually needs.
Classic polyester rope for porch swings or exercise battle rope.
Multi-purpose double braid line that holds up to the elements.
This eco-conscious dock line is made from recycled yarn.
Multi-purpose double braid line that holds up to the elements.
Dyneema SK78 rope unrivalled in strength and low elongation
Polyester option for windsurf downhauls and outhauls
High performance sheet performing well in ratchet blocks
The rope on your boat takes constant strain from saltwater, sun, abrasion, and load cycles. We stock marine rope for exactly that: dock lines, mooring lines, anchor rode, sailboat rigging lines, and marine accessories from manufacturers who build specifically for the water.
ROPE.com sells marine rope by the foot and in pre-cut lengths. No minimum orders. Pick the diameter, pick the length, and we cut it to order.
Dock lines take constant strain from tides, wind, and wakes. Nylon is the standard material because it stretches under load, which absorbs shock and protects your cleats and hardware. Double braid nylon is the most common construction for dock lines. 3-strand twisted nylon is a cost-effective alternative that is easy to splice and handles well.
Mooring lines face the same demands but often run longer and heavier. Diameter depends on boat length and displacement. As a general rule, use 1/2″ for boats up to 30 feet, 5/8″ for 30 to 45 feet, and 3/4″ or larger for anything above that.
Anchor rode connects your boat to the anchor. A nylon anchor line absorbs shock from waves and wind gusts. Most setups use a combination of chain at the anchor end and nylon line running up to the boat. 3-strand twisted nylon is the standard because it stretches well and is easy to splice to chain.
Sailboat rigging lines need low stretch for control and consistent handling under load. Polyester double braid is the standard for halyards, sheets, and control lines. High-performance blends with Dyneema or Spectra reduce weight and stretch further for racing applications. Yacht ropes from Marlow and New England Ropes cover everything from cruising to competitive sailing.
Nylon stretches under load and absorbs shock. The standard for dock lines, mooring, and anchor rode.
Polyester has minimal stretch. The standard for sailboat running rigging, halyards, and sheets.
Polypropylene floats, which makes it a common pick for ski tow lines, dinghy painters, and anywhere buoyancy matters. Not as strong or long-lasting as nylon or polyester.
Match your rope to your boat and application
| Boat Length | Diameter | Construction |
|---|---|---|
| Under 18 ft | 1/4″ | Nylon double braid → |
| 18 – 25 ft | 3/8″ | Nylon double braid → |
| 25 – 35 ft | 1/2″ | Nylon double braid → |
| 35 – 45 ft | 5/8″ | Nylon double braid → |
| 45 – 54 ft | 3/4″ | Nylon double braid → |
| 54 – 72 ft | 1″ | Nylon double braid → |
| 72 – 90 ft | 1-1/4″ | Nylon double braid → |
| 90 – 108 ft | 1-1/2″ | Nylon double braid → |
| Over 108 ft | 2″ | Nylon double braid → |
| Boat Length | Diameter | Construction |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 25 ft | 1/2″ | Nylon 3-strand → |
| 25 – 35 ft | 5/8″ | Nylon 3-strand → |
| 35 – 50 ft | 3/4″ | Nylon double braid → |
| 50 ft + | 7/8″ – 1″ | Nylon double braid → |
| Boat Length | Diameter | Minimum Length |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 20 ft | 3/8″ | 150 ft → |
| 20 – 30 ft | 1/2″ | 200 ft → |
| 30 – 45 ft | 5/8″ | 250 ft → |
| 45 ft + | 3/4″ | 300 ft → |
| Application | Material | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Dock lines | Nylon → | Stretch absorbs shock |
| Mooring | Nylon → | Load cycling durability |
| Halyards / Sheets | Polyester → | Low stretch |
| Ski tow / Dinghy | Polypropylene → | Floats, lightweight |
Match the construction to the job on your boat — click to shop each type
Double Braid Solid Colors
Smooth, round braid that stretches under load to absorb shock from tides and wakes. The standard for dock lines and mooring.
3-Strand Twisted Nylon
Maximum stretch to absorb surge, and the easiest construction to splice to chain. The classic anchor rode and mooring pennant.
Sta-Set Polyester
Low-stretch braid that holds trim under load. The standard for halyards, sheets, and running rigging where control matters.
Diamond Braid Polypro
Lightweight line that floats and shrugs off water. Made for ski tow lines, dinghy painters, and utility jobs where buoyancy matters.
Common questions from boaters and riggers
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.
Shop marine rope →
New England Ropes, Marlow, Samson, Yale, and our own ROPE.com line. Marine rope built for saltwater, sold direct.
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Orders over $199 ship free. Most in-stock items ship within 1–2 business days.
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Questions about diameter, splicing, or what your boat needs? Call us. We splice, cut, and test rope every day.
Get in touch →The marine rope brands boaters trust
Browse by sub-collection, brand, or related rope type
We stock marine rope for saltwater and the constant load cycles that come with life on the water. We carry dock lines in nylon double braid and 3-strand, mooring lines for permanent and semi-permanent slips, anchor rode in 3-strand twisted nylon, and sailboat rigging lines in low-stretch polyester and high-performance blends.
Nylon dock lines absorb the shock of tides, wind, and passing wakes. Double braid nylon is the most popular construction for its handling and durability. 3-strand twisted nylon is a proven, spliceable alternative. We stock both in diameters from 3/8″ through 1″ and cut everything to length so you get exactly what your slip requires.
Mooring lines, anchor lines, rigging lines, and marine accessories are all available by the foot. No pre-packaged bundles. Questions about sizing? Our team can help you match rope to your boat.
