Stretch Factor &#; mooring lines need to absorb snatch loads and maintain the capacity to elongate and recover without suffering premature stress failure. Polyester has the required amount of working stretch for mooring and the ability to absorb surge loads can be enhanced with mooring compensators. Polypropylene stretches a little more than polyester. Nylon is the most elastic of the three materials, approximately 5-10% more elongation than polyester.
Strength and Durability &#; mooring ropes need to manage the substantial strain experienced in securing a yacht in your chosen configuration (the number of ropes that effectively divide the load) so relative diameter and break load are important factors. Nylon is initially the strongest mooring rope but it is a widely held belief that it loses 10-15% when thoroughly wet which brings it back to relative parity with polyester. Polyester has better UV resistance than nylon which means that it builds a small advantage each season resulting in a longer working life. Polypropylene is not comparable to the other two materials and should not be considered unless stepping up in diameter.
Abrasion Resistance &#; depends on what the rope is made from, how it is manufactured and to a lesser extent, the finished construction. Polyester and Nylon have comparable performance with Polypropylene, again a distant third. LIROS employ heat setting technology and special twisting techniques on the fundamental filaments and yarns to enhance wear performance.
Nylon shrinks when it is wet resulting in a tightening of the rope strands creating a harder, stiffer rope. This can be of benefit for permanent single purpose warps.
Comfort &#; rope construction and diameter make a difference to comfort, especially for more delicate hands. Braided Docklines are commonly regarded as the most flexible, luxurious handling rope for mooring. Octo (Anchor) plaited ropes are also flexible and comfortable to handle. 3 strand rope is generally regarded as less kind to the hands but is probably still the best all-round choice for most mooring applications.
Handling, Coiling and Hanking - rope construction dictates how you should hank a rope into a coil for stowing and throwing/heaving. 3 strand rope needs to be rolled around your thumb to keep the lay in regular form. Braided and Plaited ropes should be allowed to form a figure of eight shape, to ensure that you are not imparting twist into the rope.
UV Resistance &#; Everything degrades in the sun. The speed at which the deterioration occurs depends on what the rope is manufactured from. Polyester is best, with nylon a reasonable second and polypropylene a distant third. UV stabilising techniques help but don&#;t significantly alter the general comparable resistance values of each substance. Counteracting UV deterioration should be a major consideration for yachts in the Mediterranean and the Tropics.
Buoyancy - Polyester and Nylon both sink. Polyester is slightly heavier than nylon. Polypropylene floats. There are some applications where it is important that a line floats on the surface, but otherwise Polyester and Nylon are more durable fibres in terms of strength and resistance to abrasion and UV.
Summary - Polyester is the best all round fibre for mooring applications. Nylon has additional elasticity and can develop a harder finish which is of benefit for certain solutions. Polypropylene isn't really comparable and should only be selected to take advantage of the fact that it floats.
Single Purpose Mooring Lines are ropes made up to a specific measurement, spliced and finished to fit your home berth mooring configuration. These lines tend to be for more permanent arrangements, also known as Permanent Warps:
Mooring Strops and Mooring Bridles
Design Considerations and Plus Factors:
Multi-Purpose Mooring Lines are generally longer lengths that can be deployed for varied tasks and tend to be for more temporary arrangements.
Design Considerations and Plus Factors:
It&#;s generally good practice to have two long lines in your rope inventory for when you&#;re rafted out on a visitor pontoon. It is not advisable or the done thing to rely on your inner neighbours to keep you securely moored to the jetty, by simply tying up to next door&#;s cleats. You will create extra load on their lines and fittings which will not be appreciated and in any case, may expose their lack of strength and suitability.
It&#;s also a good idea to consider a towing line for emergencies. Stowage room and extra cost may lead you to designate an existing mooring or anchoring warp for this purpose. Just bear in mind that the rope ends need to be finished in a versatile manner so that the line is genuinely multi-functional. A towing warp needs to be long and fairly stretchy so is reasonably compatible with doubling up as rafting out, kedge or drogue warps.
The most popular all-round choice ~ optimum choice on all counts except for handling where it's not quite as comfortable as braided or plaited lines - and the least expensive of the three options.
More commonly used for anchoring warp but has all the required properties for mooring, a little more comfortable to handle than 3 strand and on a par with Braided Docklines in terms of cost ~ 12 plait hollowbraid is available at a lower price point.
The most comfortable handling with all the benefits of polyester fibre, specially twisted filament yarn for optimum endurance.
Custom Build your rope selection into a finished mooring line, ready to use for your intended purpose
Jimmy Green Marine offer the following LIROS Mooring Warp rope options from stock in Beer, backed up by the premium supply chain uniquely offered to us in the UK by LIROS Yacht Ropes, Germany.
LIROS 3 Strand Polyester Article /
Manufactured to DIN EN ISO standard (previously DIN EN 697, DIN )
The most popular choice for permanent pontoon mooring lines - Dependable strength and durable abrasion resistance combined with >15% working load stretch.
LIROS 3 Strand Polyester Article /
LIROS Braided Dockline Article (Porto)
From 10mm - 24mm diameter - 20 plait cover and braided core, 100% Polyester, special twisted twine construction:
High elasticity >15% working load stretch - high load capacity - super flexibility - soft handling - balanced braiding, non-kinking - eminently throwable - excellent UV and abrasion resistance. The logical choice for mooring alongside.
LIROS Braided Dockline Article (Porto)
LIROS Superyacht Dockline Article
Available to order in 24mm, 28mm and 32mm diameter - 24 plait special coated cover and braided core, 100% Polyester, special twisted twine construction
High elasticity >15% working load stretch - Highest load capacity - super flexibility - good handling - balanced braiding, non kinking - Superb weather and wear resilience.
LIROS Superyacht Dockline Article
LIROS Moorex12 Article
Hollowbraid 12 plait construction, 100% Polyester > 15% working load stretch and dependable strength - spliceable, super flexible and throwable, excellent constructional shock absorption, ideal for guest lines.
LIROS Moorex12 Article
LIROS Handy Elastic Article
Special 1:1 Plait cover and braided core, 100% Nylon (Polyamide), the ultimate shock absorbing mooring line >20% working load stretch, super pliable and comfortable in the hand - distinctive colour = navy with yellow markers.
LIROS Handy Elastic Article
HUAZHONG supply professional and honest service.
LIROS Octoplait Polyester Article
8 Strand, Balanced, Square Braid Construction, 100% Polyester - super pliable, spliceable to chain, Reliable load capacity and abrasion resilience combined with excellent constructional shock absorption >15% working load stretch.
LIROS Octoplait Polyester Article
LIROS 3 Strand Polypropylene Article
Pliable, floating alternative with a finish very similar to 3 strand nylon and polyester mooring lines.
LIROS 3 Strand Polypropylene Article
LIROS Octoplait Polypropylene Article
8 Strand, Balanced, Square Braid Construction, 100% Multifilament Polypropylene - floats, very light and flexible, effective floating warp, good shock absorption >15% working load stretch.
However, even after UV stabilisation, polypropylene is susceptible to deterioration in the sun and is not as strong as polyester.
LIROS Octoplait Polypropylene Article
Marlow BLUE OCEAN DOCKLINE
12mm, 14mm, and 16mm Diameter, braided construction, manufactured from 100% recycled plastic bottles, good abrasion resistance, good strength, excellent shock absorption, soft and supple flexibility, zero strength loss or shrinkage when wet.
Marlow BLUE OCEAN DOCKLINE
Securing your vessel isn't merely a matter of anchoring it. Dock mooring types are crucial for any vessel owner or operator to keep ships safe from damage and well-anchored.
Haven Dock & Marine offers various mooring solutions that cater to different vessel sizes and environmental demands.
Read on to learn about how various mooring systems and applications work to assist and keep boats, floating platforms, and other watercraft secure or stationary at all water depths.
A mooring type refers to a system made up of connectors, anchors, and mooring lines to keep a ship floating in deep water.
The variety of mooring caters to boat owners in different marine environments, ensuring your vessel stays put in calm lakes or faces the wrath of open seas. Mooring lines, mooring buoys, and more all play a part.
Maintaining your vessel&#;s safety starts with the right components for your mooring system, including mooring lines and mooring buoys. This will ensure your boat is secure, accessible, and safe from bumps and scratches.
Dock mooring systems can support watercraft of all shapes and sizes, including:
There are two primary types of mooring systems: a shore fixture like a pier or an offshore fixture like a floating dock system. Regardless of the mooring system you choose, your dock or mooring point must be able to withstand a number of different forces, such as:
Your system's holding power should withstand any reasonable force your ship can expect to experience, whether small or large.
Mooring line connects to the anchor and keeps the structure afloat. Mooring lines are mainly made from wire, fiber rope, and chain.
Your mooring system relies heavily on the strength of its anchor. The holding capacity of each anchor, which should generally be at least three times the weight of your service anchor, depends on the water depth, seafloor soil properties, and type of anchor you use.
The mooring chain connects the anchor to a floating buoy or watercraft. Experts recommend that your mooring line be three times the length of the water&#;s depth and a quarter inch thicker than your service chain.
It&#;s also a good idea to invest in mooring line supports to protect the line from chafing, as well as mooring whips, which are solid fiberglass rods that keep your watercraft a safe distance away from the dock edge to prevent damage during unfavorable weather conditions.
Although you can also choose from various mooring lines, cables, and ropes, stick with a chain for permanent moorings in waters up to 328 ft (100 m). For waters deeper than 984 ft (300 m), choose a stainless steel cable or wire rope. For ultradeep waters (more than 6,560 ft or 2,000 m), use a combination chain, wire, and synthetic fiber line for maximum strength.
The mooring buoy, heavier than a standard buoy, floats in the water away from the shoreline. The buoy allows boats to be moored in deep water instead of shallow water or to be moored to a pier.
Boat dock systems can use several types of anchors:
When setting up a mooring, think of it like planting a tree. It needs the right spot and some care to get started.
This is a permanent fixture attached to the bed to provide stationary mooring. Swing moorings demand careful placement away from other anchors to avoid tangling.
These are poles driven into the bottom of the waterway with their tops above the water. Boats tie mooring lines to two or four piles to secure their position between the piles.
Pile moorings need precise installation but offer stability in crowded waters.
Dockside mooring involves securing the length of your boat to the dock using cleats and lines. Haven Dock & Marine offers a wide variety of cleats, from heavy-duty galvanized options to space-saving flip-up styles.
Regular inspections are essential. Look out for wear on lines and chains for swing and pile systems, or check that your dock bumpers stay firm and functional. This proactive approach will save you headaches down the line.
Haven Dock & Marine is particularly proud of our role as the sole manufacturer and distributor of Fend-All Fenders, which act as a cushion between your vessel and the dock or another vessel to absorb impact, prevent damage, and extend the life of your boat. Crafted to revolutionize how your vessel weathers mooring, these fenders serve as critical guardians, averting harm and fortifying safety.
Consistent bumping without proper protection can weaken your craft's structural integrity over time. With Fend-All Fenders, you're investing in peace of mind and long-term durability for your watercraft.
When it comes to mooring, one size does not fit all. That's why at Haven Dock & Marine, we fuse top-notch materials, steadfast dependability, and the latest tech innovations in our product line offerings.
Beyond innovative Fend-All Fenders, our top-of-the-line mooring products span cleats to whips to innovative solutions like TideSlides, whether you&#;re sailing serene lakes or the unforgiving ocean waves. Each product is crafted with care because we know the sea never takes a day off&#;and neither do you.
Whatever your needs, contact us at Haven Dock & Marine, and we'll set you up with the best mooring system to keep your boat safe in the harbor and weather the storm!