Mooring lines for tenders, motor boats and inflatables
A mooring line is a rope used to secure a boat to a quay, dock or piling, with enough stretch to absorb wave and tide. We stock 16 models from Hollex, HIBO, EvoNautic and JOBE in 8, 10 and 12 mm and lengths from 4 to 10 metres. Pre-finished with a spliced eye as standard, in 3-strand polypropylene or 16-strand braided polyester jacket over a polypropylene core. Black, white and dark blue in stock.
Which thickness and length for which boat?
| Boat length | Mooring line thickness | Length per line |
|---|---|---|
| up to 4 m (inflatable, small sailboat) | 8 mm 3-strand | 4 m |
| 4-6 m tender | 8-10 mm | 6 m |
| 6-9 m motor boat | 10-12 mm 16-strand | 10 m |
| 9-12 m | 12-16 mm 16-strand | 10 m or longer |
| Temporary marina mooring | Bungee 120-170 cm | n/a (stretchy) |
Rule of thumb: lines on board = boat length / 2 (minimum 4). Two forward and aft, plus a spring each side to limit fore-and-aft movement. Pair with our fenders and optional stainless cleats for a complete mooring set.
3-strand versus 16-strand: why does the second cost more?
A 3-strand mooring line is a traditional twisted rope made from three thick strands of polypropylene. Cheap, buoyant and easy to cut to length yourself, but takes UV damage after a few seasons in the sun. A 16-strand line has a braided polyester jacket over a polypropylene core. The jacket protects against UV and chafing on wooden quays. The combination gives you the same buoyancy with much longer life (five to eight years versus two to three). For boats on a permanent berth in full sun, 16-strand is the better choice.
Frequently asked questions about mooring lines
How many mooring lines do I need per boat?
A securely moored boat needs at least four lines: one fore and one aft (the main lines that keep the boat in place), plus two springs (crossing from forward cleat to aft post and the reverse) that limit fore-and-aft movement. For a 6-metre tender that is four lines of 6 metres each. For a 9-metre motor boat you move to six lines of 8-10 metres. Always carry at least one extra mooring line as a spare in case one gets damaged or you stop at an unexpected mooring. In marinas with strong winds we recommend adding extra lines to side pilings.
What is the difference between polypropylene and polyester mooring lines?
Polypropylene floats, polyester sinks. A floating line is safer because it stays out of the prop and you can lift it back out of the water easily after mooring. Polypropylene is less UV-resistant. Polyester is stronger and more UV-resistant but sinks. The practical answer is a hybrid: a 16-strand line with polypropylene core (floats) and polyester jacket (UV protection). That is the standard Hollex 16-strand spec. For a temporary mooring in a shelter port or campsite you can do with cheaper pure polypropylene lines.
What does a bungee mooring line do and when do I use one?
A bungee line like the EvoNautic 120-170 cm or the JOBE Dock Tie is a short stretchy line that absorbs waves and swell. You do not use it as the only holder, but as a shock absorber between a fixed line and the cleat. On a mooring in a busy shelter port with passing motor boats and cross waves it limits the snatching of the boat and saves cleats, deck rails and your nerves. For a tender bobbing behind a larger boat a bungee between mother boat and tender is also more comfortable while under way.
When should I replace my mooring lines?
Inspect all lines at the end of each season for wear, discolouration and stretching. Signs to replace: fuzzy strands after contact with sharp quays, grey or pale colour from UV, local marks where a knot sat repeatedly, or stiffness instead of suppleness. Polypropylene 3-strand lines typically last two to three seasons in heavy use. 16-strand polyester-jacket lines manage five to eight. Do not replace them all at once: rotate forward and aft each year so you never lose the whole set at the same time. Keep old lines as spares.
In stock? Order before 17:00 and it ships the same day. Otherwise, as soon as possible. Not sure which product fits your boat? Our specialists in Joure are happy to help.
