R-21 questions from a newbie...

[johnniethek]

I take delivery this week and a gazillion questions are starting to hit me. I hope I can tap into the collective wisdom of others here for the answers. Here's No. 1.

1. How many dock ropes will I need for my R-21? How long should they be, and what kind of ropes would everyone recommend? For you women out there, should the color of the rope match the color of my Hero Red boat? 🙂🙂

Thnx mucho,

JtheK

 

[rt11002003]

The number of dock lines depends on many things. I usually allow for a minimum of eight, two for the bow, two for the stern and two spring lines for each side. I may not use use all eight, again it depends on the conditions.

I like braided nylon lines with the prespliced loop. My lines are 15 feet, 20 would work but one will always have a bunch of excess to coil with a 21 foot boat.

Colors fade quickly. White shows dirt. I'm using black; my hull is dark blue.

Gene

 

[CaptMac]

You may want to check - is Ranger Tug providing your "Coast Guard" package - life jackets, signalling devices, fire extinguishers, etc. ? They may be including lines as well...Also check about your anchor, rode, etc

Minimum of three lines - bow, stern & spring. I prefer three strand cause they stretch (shock absorber) & are easy to splice & add loops, but braided is better for chafe and more flexible....

Mac

 

[captain's cat]

JtK, go for red, what the heck! Best get at least 20' lines, (they're not "ropes" BTW). I'd have at least 4. Also, you'll need some fenders (not bumpers!) the sausage shaped things that keep you from banging up your sides while tied up. I'd start with 3 of those. They are bulky and you need to find a place to store them, they don't deflate (at least not on purpose! 😛 ). Good luck with the new boat, keep asking questions!

Charlie

 

[johnniethek]

Thanks, Charlie, et al,

The boat comes with black fenders and even has places on each side of the cockpit (underneath the drink holders) where the fenders are conveniently stored. It also comes with a Coast Guard safety kit, Mac, but I don't know if that includes lines or what else may be included there. It comes with anchor package #11, 25' chain, 150' line. Sounds like 20' lines are the consensus, but do they make red/black lines? :lol:

 

[Tom Ray]

I like lines at least 10% longer than the boat for spring lines, and shorter for bow and stern lines.

Tying boats with spring lines