How Long is a piece of String?

[Noelio Abrunhosa]

Hi All

Once again i need a bit of advice.
Mooring ropes.
how many should i have? what size? length? type? make?

regards

Abby

[geoff]

Very much dependant on your type of sailing Abby. In the parts of Europe where marina pontoons are the norm 2 or 3 lines of 1.5 x boat length  plus a couple of shorter say boat length all about 12mm or 14mm and stretchy [octoplait nylon works well] . In addition one really long [as long as you can stow] 10 or 12mm to get you out of bother without joining bits. In the med and where stern to the quay is done much the same but need at least 2 really long [to tie round trees and rocks] again the stretchier the better. Geoff

[Symphony]

Good basic set. However if you have a permanent berth make up lines exactly the right length and leave attached to the pontoon. Most economical way is to buy either reel ends or a 100m reel and learn how to splice eyes and whip ends so you can make your own. Diameter 12-16mm depending on the size of your boat. I have a mixture of 12 and 14 on a 33' and have just bought a reel end of 14mm 3 strand for under £1 a metre - less than half the cost of ready made lines.

[dawntreader]

....and consider adding an anchor snubber and mooring compensators to your shopping list (see pictures)

[Noelio Abrunhosa]

thank guys for all your help. will order a reel and do my own splicing.

gracias

[Neil]

It might be worth getting some chaffe protection for the mooring cleats and fairleads.