Rope for locks

[DryDock]

Hi All,
looking for some advice, have just bought a used 18ft motor boat and i want to know what type of rope and length do i need for the locks i only have 2x3 metre lengths for mooring that came with it. and im sure you will need much longer for the locks on the thames, also any advice on an anchor for thames?

cheers

 

[Captain Coochie]

One and a half the length of your boat is the standard so 27ft for your boat .
( I think , its been a while since i bought new ropes ) So theres another tip , buy good ropes and you will forget what you need length wise as they last a very long time

 

[DryDock]

Hi, Thanks for that.

What diameter should i get, 10,12,16 or even 20, also there are many types the braided style feels good to hold what is the best?

cheers

 

[sarabande]

for lockwork, it's more about how convenient it is to handle, rather than taking some enormous anchoring or mooring strain. I'd go for something like a 12 or 14mm diameter. Thinner ones tend to tangle more easily, and are less kind to paws.

Don't use the blue polypropylene ones, they pick up grit very easily, as do braided ones. Some standard 3 strand nylon is fine. As Cuchilo points out, quality stuff will last longer. Braid is difficult for a beginner to plait/form eyes, and learning to do basic ropework is immensely satisfying, and saves a lot of money !

Have lots of fun !

 

[ms1]

before you buy ropes just look at your cleats. If your craft is quite small you may find that 14.. lines wont even fit on your cleats.
Personally I would have thought 10mm max, providing they feel comfortable in your hands.
1.5 times the length of you boat.
3 strand is good.
but if you like the feel of the braided ... then buy them .. but you will need those ready made dock lines with spliced eye already made for you.

 

[DryDock]

Hi,
Thanks for that, you just saved me buying the wrong size! you are correct i tried the 10mm mooring lines that were supplied and they fit the cleats but larger rope will not fit. i tied the std figure of 8 and it was a tight fit...

cheers

 

[Andrew_Fanner]

>>>
but if you like the feel of the braided ... then buy them .. but you will need those ready made dock lines with spliced eye already made for you.
>>>

I can't splice so have had a bowline on the cleat end for years. Yes I know I should learn to splice, but my roundtuit is on backorder