What Size dock line should I be using for my 32' cruiser?

Aprice

Hey guys I've been using 5/8ths lines for morning at my marina. I wanted to know if I should run with that same size when I'm out and about tying up at restaurants or other random docks or am I  m OK to go smaller. Thanks for the input. 

Cableguy Greg

I think it all depends on where you are going to be docked at. You can't go wrong with 5/8's line. On my 280EC, at the slip I use 3/8's line since I am at a marina with floating docks and we don't get much wake. When I am out tied to a wharf, or rafted off, I use 1/2" line. I have even started using chafe guards on the lines at the wharf's that I tie at for an added safety measure.

LaRea

It depends on the size of your cleats.  For a 32, I think 1/2" is generally better.  It's plenty strong enough, and it's easier to get two lines onto a cleat when necessary.  

wm61356

Following are guidelines for dock line selection based on boat size. Generally, it is recommended to use 1/8" of line diameter for every 9' of boat length. Larger lines will wear longer but stretch less.

Boat Length	Up to 27'	28'-31'	32'-36'	37'-45'	46'-54'	55'-63'	64'-72'
Dock Line Dia.	3/8"	7/16"	1/2"	5/8"	3/4"	7/8"	1"

Aprice

Great info. Thanks everyone. 

JoeStang

Mines smaller than yours, but I like 1/2" for my dock and 3/8" for traveling or rafting up. My cleats arent massive, so getting two sets of 1/2" is nearly impossible. 1/2" at a protected restaurant or rafting for your boat is more than enough, IMO.

5/8" is probably smart at the home port, since it'll have to weather storms.

Black_Diamond

I use 1/2" lines, we get a lot of wave action at the marina though, so stretch is a nice bonus, too large a line and you have no give.