Dock Lines

[km1125]

I used to use 5/8 on my 36, but have switched to 1/2. On the stern lines I double them up when I'm away from the boat, as they take the brunt of the abeam winds. When on the boat, taking the 'doubled up' loop off allows for the boat to be pulled closer to the dock for boarding and the extra give in the lines makes the boat not rock as bad when the boats pull on the lines. I also have a few 1/2 x 25 for when we're away from the dock and tying up somewhere else as well as some older 5/8 lines when the pilings are nasty and I don't want to mess up my nice lines.