Mooring Lines

[dt4134]

What diameter line for mooring a 41 footer? Not a mobo!

I'm thinking 12mm.

I've mainly 14 to 16mm for a 43 footer.

However, when I'm expecting a bit of a blow I tie her up tightly with 10mm nylon which according to my theory acts as a shock absorber and reduces the peak loads on the cleats. I do consider it sacrificial and use it in addition to the main warps, which I leave looser.

None has snapped. There was one bowline that was so tightly bound I just cut it (that wouldn't have happened with the thicker lines). The 10mm has shown more signs of chaffing, but none to the extent that it has threatened the strength (however I have cleats on the deck edge and no fairleads, with fairleads it might be a different story).

 

[bobgoode]

10mm on my old 22 footer
14mm on my current 32 footer with 16mm for the permanent docklines.

 

[ffiill]

www.ropesandtwines.com
12mm far too small to handle-likely to cut off your fingers if you get them caught.

 

[Marmalade]

By mooring do you mean a swinging mooring, or tied up in a sheltered marina.

Swinging mooring we used to use 20mm for a 12.5T 44 footer
18mm in the marina
always stretchy nylon - if you use polyprop use a snubber to absorb the snatch

 

[richardbayle]

Thank you all. I have bought 16mm for use stern to in a sheltered marina. Lazy line one end and two aft lines plus 2 springs, lovely.