R31 Sedan Dock Lines

[Barry Cohen]

I am in the process of purchasing a 2022 R31S. I have been told that they come with 3/8" dock lines. That seems a bit small. What are other R31 owners using?

 

[NSM]

R29 using 5/8” from Top Knot.

Cheers
Scott

 

[boaterjoe]

Personally I think 3/8 line is fine for my R29 and for a R31. Main thing to think about is that a little larger line 1/2 or 5/8 is easier to handle "in your hands" especially in the winter. But 3/8 line in good condition is fine for a R31 which really, is still a light boat compared to many brands.
my $0.02 worth

 

[JeffreyAC77]

R31-CB and I use 1/2".

 

[Haifisch]

The single bow cleat and the stern cleat are large enough for the thicker lines. The two midship spring line cleats are smaller. The thicker dock line eyes fit fine in the cleat, but if you want to wrap around something and tie back to the midship cleat, it doesn't make a very clean hitch. I recommend having 3/8" for spring lines and something thicker for the back and pointy end of the boat.

 

[gswearin]

To the original question my 2021 R29 came with 4 5/8 x 25 dock lines. I would think the R31 comes with the same.

 

[Kimberly Dawn]

My 2019 R27OB came with (4) 5/8" Topknot lines.

 

[Joseph]

3/8” double braid would be plenty strong for dock lines, but 1/2” might feel better in the hand. Dock lines should stretch to absorb shock, you’re not lifting the boat. Three strand nylon would actually be better for shock absorption. I used 5/8” on a 42’ catamaran, and that was excessive for routine use. Chafe protection is the more critical consideration. Storm lines would be upsized.

 

[SJI Sailor]

Agreed that 1/2 or 5/8 feel better in the hands and also are nice to have (at least 2 of them, bow and stern) for severe weather.

Another question is the material. IIRC Top Knot lines are polypropylene, which is nice because it floats -- but is not as strong as nylon, stretches less (i.e. absorbs less shock), may degrade faster in the sun, and has weaker stitched (not spliced) eyes. Personally I feel better with nylon lines, and use the poly ones for temporary purposes. More here https://www.anchoring.com/blogs/anc...-best-size-of-dock-lines-type-number-and-more My current favorite lines are Samson brand.

 

[FlyMeAway]

I second that the Top Knot lines aren't great. The problem with polypropylene (and I saw someone learn this the hard way) is that diminution in strength isn't always visible, because of the UV resistance issue. Top Knot claims that they have mostly fixed this, but it's a matter of chemistry and the laws of physics so I'm skeptical.

As mentioned, Samson has really solid docklines -- I used them for years on my sailboat. I found that their nylon double braid wasn't the best at abrasion resistance, and so I used mostly three-strand nylon which they no longer make as pre-spliced docklines. Fisheries Supply (or Defender) will make them for you from spool stock.

From two old boating friends back East I recently discovered Miami Cordage. I'm in the process of getting some double braid dockline quotes from them; FWIW they recommended 1/2" for our boats. So far they have excellent customer service, a variety of colors, and reasonable prices (comparable to Samson or slightly cheaper). Haven't pulled the trigger yet but am likely to order lines from them in the coming weeks.