Dock Line Sizes for 24' Boat

[Five Faces]

I did a quick search and didn't find anything so thought I would ask...

I am downsizing to a 24' boat and was curious what line sizes everyone is using?

All my past boats I have typically kept at least six (6) lines, all double braided. Four (4) of which are about 2/3 length of the boat for bow and stern lines, and two (2) about the length of the boat for spring lines. All my fenders always have their own dedicated lines.

Perhaps more importantly, what dia are you using? 3/8" is more than enough as far as capacity, but I would prefer a larger 1/2" which is easier to throw, untie, and just feels better in the hand IMO. I assume the cleats on a 242X are big enough to handle 1/2" line, correct?

For my 24fter I was thinking about getting:
-(4) 1/2" x 15
-(2) 1/2" x 25
I would buy different colors so I can quickly differentiate length.

I'm really good at overthinking things, lol!!!

 

[Julian]

I use 3/8. 1/2 inch seemed like overkill to me.

According to this site, you need 1/8 for every 9' of boat. So 3/8 is fine for our boats.

 

[Five Faces]

I use 3/8. 1/2 inch seemed like overkill to me.

According to this site, you need 1/8 for every 9' of boat. So 3/8 is fine for our boats.

There is absolutely no doubt it is overkill from a capacity standpoint, but from the standpoint of feel and handling I prefer 1/2" (the price difference is negligible). I guess my question is how big are the cleats on the 242x? Will the larger dia 1/2" line be an issue with the OEM cleats? I certainly don't want it to be so tight that I have to spend time squeezing into the cleat.

 

[jamesk]

I use 3/8"... tried 1/2" and that was too big for the cleat plus I put fenders on the cleat at the same time.
Yes the 1/2" feels nicer but did not fit well for me.
As far as length I have 15 footers I use and I use (1) 30' (2 15's) with loops on both ends, helps me move the boat on and off the trailer and around the dock.

 

[Five Faces]

I use 3/8"... tried 1/2" and that was too big for the cleat plus I put fenders on the cleat at the same time.
Yes the 1/2" feels nicer but did not fit well for me.
As far as length I have 15 footers I use and I use (1) 30' (2 15's) with loops on both ends, helps me move the boat on and off the trailer and around the dock.

Thanks....that's what I was afraid of...I assume the cleats are the same on the 21' and 24'.

 

[marcham]

+1 for 3/8" double braid (I have a smaller boat, I believe the cleats are the same size). I used 1/4" double braided line for the fenders.

... different colours for different lengths ... smart, wish I had thought of that.... I just wanted all black to match the sides but now I see your logic!

Are you going to leave it at the dock overnight? Can you cleat to port and starboard? If not, a large ball is a good investment as a fender for the bow cleat as it was placed too far forward on all these boats IMHO.

This:

Taylor Made Products Tuff End Inflatable Vinyl Boat Buoy (12", White), Mooring Buoys - Amazon Canada

Taylor Made Products Tuff End Inflatable Vinyl Boat Buoy (12", White) in Mooring Buoys.

www.amazon.ca

Or This:

Premium Exile Wakeboat Buoy Ball, Boat Fenders - Amazon Canada

Premium Exile Wakeboat Buoy Ball in Boat Fenders.

www.amazon.ca

 

[gthh]

If you need 25’ you need 25’. I just know that my Jets ate my last 25 footer.
15’ will serve you well

 

[Bluewater272]

3/8" x 25' (4). Have some shorter ones, but usually only for tying off tubes. Anything larger will be difficult if you plan to tie a fender through the same cleat.

 

[Dixie Highway]

I use the 3/8. 1/2” doesn’t allow much room in the cleat, especially if you use a cleat hitch. It really builds up on top of the cleat.

 

[VaMarine]

So I carry 6 normal dock lines and 2 additional lines.

4 are 15' (2/3 boat length) for bow and stern tie ups.
2 are 21' (spring lines)

The 2 additional are 30' because the locks on intercoastal require 30' to reach the bollards.

All are 3/8" cause the 1/2 won't fit on the cleat comfortably.

 

[Five Faces]

What about fenders?

6.5" <OR> 8.5"

I'm used to a 12" fender from my previous boat so those 6.5" fenders look really, really small. I'd really like to get the 8.5" dia if they aren't too obtrusive for a 24' boat???

 

[VaMarine]

I have a couple of each 6.5 and 8.5. they get used depending on conditions.

Someone posted about the Sentry Fender a couple weeks ago. Im planning on getting a couple to try out this season.

 

[VaMarine]

... different colours for different lengths ... smart, wish I had thought of that.... I just wanted all black to match the sides but now I see your logic!

I did my 4 x 15' to match the boat (blue) they get used all the time. Then the 2*21 in black. The 2*30 are in white (cheaper). Plus my spike anchor line is red for visibility.

Still allows for both matching the boat color but easier to tell the crew the color of line that is needed.