Stitched Mooring Lines

[YukonRon]

Out boat came with a couple of dock lines that have eyes which are not spliced. The bitter end of the line is laid back alongside the bight, wrapped in webbing, and stitched through (see pic attached). They have Ranger Tug tags on them, so I assume they came with the boat from the factory. They are 3/4 in. x 17 ft. Does anyone know how strong these eyes are compared to splicing? Any experiences with stitched eyes vs spliced?

 

[trailertrawlerkismet]

We had those lines on our 2012 R27 for 5 1/2 years without any problem. The stitching held up fine and I was never concerned about them vs any other lines we've used.

Jim F

 

[Pilotnavigator]

Never hurts to learn how to splice. I have been making my own lines for years, on several sail boats and of course on my ranger tug. They look good, are the length you want and with a nice back spice on the bitter end makes them even better. New England ropes has a good step by step guide to complete different types of splices. Next you can splice your anchor rode chain to line and replace that shackle that always snags the bow roller.

 

[Irish Mist]

Must be some machine to go through all that.

 

[YukonRon]

Thanks Jim. Good to know they worked well for you. Gives me more confidence in them.
John, yes its always useful to know how to splice. I need more mooring lines, and a spare anchor and rode, so I will probably be doing some splicing. Thanks for the splicing guide tip.

 

[Spinner]

Hi, I got those also. I am pretty sure the stitched, Ranger-emblem lines are actually fender whips or fender lines. They weren't intended to be used for mooring. At least the ones that came with both of my Ranger Tugs were. The provided mooring lines are /were properly spliced with large eye splices and were 25 feet long...

You can also tell by the fact that the eye on a fender line is much smaller. It's only intended to fasten to the top of the fender, while the bitter end is attached to a cleat or railing.

 

[YukonRon]

Hi, I got those also. I am pretty sure the stitched, Ranger-emblem lines are actually fender whips or fender lines. They weren't intended to be used for mooring. At least the ones that came with both of my Ranger Tugs were. The provided mooring lines are /were properly spliced with large eye splices and were 25 feet long...

You can also tell by the fact that the eye on a fender line is much smaller. It's only intended to fasten to the top of the fender, while the bitter end is attached to a cleat or railing.

That would explain the stitched eye, if it was only to be used for fenders.
However, a 3/4 inch line x 17 feet long is a very big fender line! Seems a bit much for fenders 😱
The eye on my lines are about 10 inches in diameter.
How big are your lines/eyes?

 

[Spinner]

Hi! The eyes on the stitched lines are about 6-8 in inches, as I recall. I am pretty sure they are 3/8 inch line and fairly long. I know some folks tie them to the handrails that are on top of the cabin, and there's plenty of line to reach the water and still have a good amount left over.

I think the easiest thing would be to ask someone at Ranger, don't you think? My boats have been the two largest models. I suppose it's possible that stitched lines were provided for the smaller models.

 

[NorthernFocus]

I've never seen dock lines made up that way. They may be just as strong as a splice but how would you know? Anyone tested them? And a joint like that is definitely subject to more abrasion, tangling, etc. As someone already pointed out splicing braided line is really simple. Though you do need a properly sized fid for the line you're working with.

 

[knotflying]

When in doubt err on the side of being conservative. You didn't say how old the lines are. For my money you are talking about a boat that is around $150,000 versus the cost of a new line. Are you using it on a mooring or at the dock? I wouldn't use those on a mooring ball. At a dock in a docile spot maybe or as a spring line.

 

[Red Raven]

Our R27 came with stiched lines with the Ranger Tugs logo for the dock lines (5/8”) and the fender lines (3/8”). I haven’t tested them for strength in a lab but they seem plenty substantial, look great, and have served my needs for 3 seasons. I have never worried about them for a second. In a storm I would worry about the lines chafing through long before the eye coming apart.

 

[YukonRon]

I just checked my big fenders and the 3/4 inch lines actually do fit through the holes. So I guess I can use them for hanging fenders from the cabin roof rails. Didn't think of that. I assumed they were too thick for fenders.
The boat lives on the trailer, so won't be on a mooring ball or unattended at a dock much. Just if we tie up at a marina and go into town for a bit. Still, I do need more lines, so I will buy some good quality spliced ones.
Like you said, it's an expensive boat; lines, ground, tackle and safety gear are not places to cut costs.
Thanks for the feedback.

 

[SassyRed]

In a prior thread someone mentioned that the lines are Top Knot mooring lines. I can’t confirm, but looks like the lines that came with our boat.
Might be worth looking at this site: http://mooringlines.com/

Kevin

 

[YukonRon]

Interesting link. In their FAQ section, they say that the tensile strength of their 3/4" line is 8800 pounds. It doesn't say if that is the breaking strength of just the rope itself, or the completed dock line including the stitched loop. But it is clear the intended use is for dock, mooring and anchor lines; not just fenders.