FAQ | Dock Line & Fender Lines | Line Selection

Nice dock lines make a difference. Having the right sizes on hand will keep you sane while tying up your boat. Use the chart and the information below to determine exactly what you need.

Ideally, you will have at least two (2) bow/stern lines and two (2) spring lines on board. Reference the diagram below to learn the difference.

The cleats on your boat are designed to work with appropriately sized lines. Lines that are too big for your cleats can cause problems and make tying up difficult.

What's the proper length/size?

Step One

Choose the right diameter
The cleats on your boat are designed to work with appropriately sized lines. Lines that are too thick for your cleats can cause problems.

Boat Length	Line Diameter
< 27'	3/8"
28'-35'	1/2"
36'-45'	5/8"

Step two

Choose the right length
Typically, you’ll keep two different lengths on board. Shorter bow/stern lines and longer spring lines. Proper length allows flexibility without creating unnecessary and cumbersome extra line.

Boat Length	Bow/Stern Line	Spring Lines
< 27'	10 ft	15 ft
28'-35'	20 ft	25 ft
36'-45'	25 ft	30 ft

Bow / Stern Lines vs Spring Lines

Bow / Stern Lines

These lines firmly secure and hold the boat in place at the dock. They attach at both the bow and stern of the boat the adjacent dock cleats.

Spring Lines

These lines keep the boat parallel with the dock. They attach diagonally from a cleat at the boat’s center to dock cleats located near both ends (bow/stern) of the boat.