It's generally recommended to have dock lines at least two-thirds the length of your boat. Here's what we suggest:

• 1/4": Boats up to 20 feet
• 3/8": Boats up to 20-25 feet
• 1/2": Boats up to 25-30 feet
• 5/8": Boats up to 45 feet
• 3/4": Boats up to 60-65 feet
• 1"+: Mega yachts & Super Yachts

Splicing: Splicing is a method of joining two ropes together or creating a permanent loop (eye/termination) at the end of a rope by weaving the strands back into themselves. This technique is preferred over knots for several reasons:

• Strength: A properly spliced rope retains more strength than one tied with a knot, as knots can reduce a rope's strength by up to 60%.
  
• Durability: Splicing is less likely to slip or come undone under load, providing a more secure mooring solution.
  
• Neatness and Ease of Use: Splices create a smoother, less bulky connection, which is easier to handle and less likely to snag on cleats or railings.

Joining rope by splicing is the not only the strongest but also the most aesthetic option. Knots can decrease rope strength by as much as 60 % while splicing maintains almost 100% of the ropes strength.

We follow the manufacturer's recommended splicing instructions. We can splice multiple size eyelets as well as whipped ends to prevent fraying over time.

Splicing Double Braid Ropes (1/4"- 1-1/2"):

• Standard spliced eye size is 12". For diameters 3/4” or larger, suggested eye 18”+
• Finished rope length will be measured as overall length including spliced eye(s). 
• All custom splicing orders come with whipped ends unless otherwise specified.

Splicing 3-Strand Ropes:

• Finished rope length will be measured as overall length including spliced eye(s).
• 3-Strand ropes are whipped at the ends only.

Whipping is a technique used to prevent the ends of a rope from fraying. It involves tightly wrapping a small cord around a rope's end. Many boat owners like to personalize their lines to match their boat colors. Deck hands prefer different length dock lines whipped with certain colors to know what's what when throwing those lines.

• Prevents Fray: Keeps the ends of your lines tidy and prevents them from coming apart.
• Extends Rope Life: Maintains the structural integrity of the rope, enabling it to last longer and perform better.
• Enhanced Aesthetics: Whipped ends give your dock lines a professional, look.