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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

Catalina 25 Specific Forum

Line lengths

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LeighMarie
Navigator

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USA
188 Posts

Initially Posted - 03/05/2002 : 20:09:48

Is there any standards for lengths of dock lines? The dock lines on our "new" C25 appear to need to be replaced as they are quite frayed. There are currently 5 of them, ranging from 3/8 to 5/8 diameter and 13 feet long to 23 feet long.

I would like to start with good, new dock lines. I think I should go to a 5/8 3-strand nylon dock line, and for a bow and stern line is a 20 foot length adequate? For springlines, is it better to have a 35 foot length? I know it's always better to have a bit more length, but I don't want to be tripping all over line either. Sailnet has a good sale on now, or is it better to wait and see once when I get it in the water?

Thanks!

Dave & Sharon on "LeighMarie"
Hull #5128

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Leon Sisson
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1893 Posts

Response Posted - 03/05/2002 : 20:39:37

Dave & Sharon,

My C-25 dock lines are all 3/8" nylon double braid in various solid colors. As for length, that sort of depends on where you plan to use them. I have two sets, a custom length "home" set stays attached to my dock with rubber snubbers, hose chafe guards, etc. The "traveling" set is stored in a cockpit locker.

If I were to blindly suggest a generic (traveling) set, how about (2) 15', (2) 25', and (1 or 2) 50', just in case. The 50' ones could also be used to extend an anchor rode in a pinch, or as a tow line.

Don't forget fenders and fender lines too, while you're updating your docking kit. In addition to the usual 3 or 4 sausage fenders, I also have a 2"x4"x6' padded fender board that has saved me from more gelcoat damage than I care to think about.

-- Leon Sisson

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Douglas
Master Marine Consultant

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1595 Posts

Response Posted - 03/05/2002 : 20:40:09

Most of the dock lines I have seen for C-25 size boats are either 15' or 30'. Pre made with eyes. Bow line, Stern line, forward spring line, and aft spring line.

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Champipple
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
6855 Posts

Response Posted - 03/06/2002 : 08:04:54

D&S,

We came across 300 feet of 4 strand 8plait dockline 1" a few years back and made our own. Over the years we have found that longer is better. The lines on our dock never leave and we take the "Traveling Squad" with us when we go anywhere. I would think 30 foot lengths would be fine. 4 of our lines are 20 ft and 2 our 30 ft. The remaining two are 50 feet plus.We use those when we go to Put in Bay or a regatta and have to raft off. Its always nice if the outside boat in a raft of 4 (or 9 if its bay week) can tie off to the dock. You can always flem the leftover line on the dock or the boat. You can't tie off if you can't reach. For the prices on Sailnet this week I wouldn't be shy about buying a few extra feet.

dw

Duane Wolff
"The Flying Wasp"
C-25, #401 std,sk
Chief Measurer C-25/250 national Org.
<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b2dc20b3127cce9cd2f45b211a0000004010" border=0>

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nate
Navigator

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240 Posts

Response Posted - 03/06/2002 : 11:29:21

I agree with Duane........buy some good bulk 3-strand line and do the splicing yourself. The cost of prepared docklines is in the splice not the line. I recently replace all my lines and saved BIG bucks doing it myself. I don't remember how long they all are but again I agree that you can cut them long and leave the slop on the dock......just throw off the spliced ends.....that you skillfully spliced.....and retrieve them with a boathook when you return.
While on the suject...is anyone using midship cleats on the genoa track for spring lines and rafting up? They seem like they would be really handy.
Happy Splicing......Nate

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LeighMarie
Navigator

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USA
188 Posts

Response Posted - 03/06/2002 : 11:45:05

Thanks for the information! It sounds as though we're on the right track!

Dave & Sharon on "LeighMarie"
Hull #5128

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Champipple
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
6855 Posts

Response Posted - 03/06/2002 : 13:22:54

<BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>quote:<hr height=1 noshade id=quote>
While on the suject...is anyone using midship cleats on the genoa track for spring lines and rafting up? They seem like they would be really handy.<hr height=1 noshade id=quote></BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>

Nate,

I have been looking for the right type of jibtrack cleat. I am not sure what it is yet, but when I see it I will know. We already have the Jib cars with blocks for both the 150% and the smaller sails, plus we have a car with a tweaker (some call it a twing) line block for the spinaker. I don't want so much stuff there that it gets in the way of the sail control....

But yes, I would like to get something there.

dw

Duane Wolff
"The Flying Wasp"
C-25, #401 std,sk
Chief Measurer C-25/250 national Org.
<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b2dc20b3127cce9cd2f45b211a0000004010" border=0>

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Bristle
Admiral

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USA
834 Posts

Response Posted - 03/06/2002 : 21:22:03

West carries two midship (jib track) cleats--an expensive one by (surprise!) Shaefer, and a less expensive one by somebody else. I just ordered 2 of the latter--precisely for spring lines. Now, if I can just get a frozen car off the port track......

Dave Bristle, 1985 C-25 SR-FK #5032 "Passage" in CT

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joshuaheard
Deckhand

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USA
22 Posts

Response Posted - 03/11/2002 : 17:24:50

I just bought dock lines at West. West had a guide, and the dock line packages had dock line guides. For 3-strand, buy 1/2" thick, 15' for dock lines, 25' for spring lines. If you use braided, which are more expensive, you can use 3/8" thick. They both recommended having two sets (go figure), one for permanent and one for travel. I just kept my old set, and now have 2 sets with the new lines. I bought pre-spliced, because it was not that much more money, and splicing the dock lines seemed more time and trouble than it was worth.

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MattL
Admiral

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USA
990 Posts

Response Posted - 03/12/2002 : 11:24:13

I keep my Cat 25 in a little lake in California. Someone in our club got the idea it would be better to have only rings on the docks, saying that cleats are a tripping hazard. We have a club meeting tonight where I will voice my opposition to rings. If, the rings win out I think i will have to get some thimbles and eye splice to the ring. This is to keep from wearing out at the ring. My opinion is that cleats are far superior because of the adjustability and ease on the line. Length of course depends on your particular dock set up. Normally I keep one set on my dock and have an extra set to carry. Not sure of lengths but my rear ones are extra long, incase they have a long reach. Set up on both sides of the boat that way when coming into a strange slip you are ready to go no matter which side you tie up on.
Matt
EC Rider

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Champipple
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
6855 Posts

Response Posted - 03/12/2002 : 15:54:18

<BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>quote:<hr height=1 noshade id=quote>
I keep my Cat 25 in a little lake in California. Someone in our club got the idea it would be better to have only rings on the docks, saying that cleats are a tripping hazard. <hr height=1 noshade id=quote></BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>

Easier for whom, the idiot that trips on them?...Doesn't your club have other stuff to talk about like membership drives or The summer regatta?

If they are so worried about tripping, (which is ludicrous...(now watch me trip next season on the first day after saying that)...What's to say that someone wont trip over a ring...We are talking about the same thing right, a loop on the dock that you tie off to?

Why not just have everyone tie their boat off to the dockposts..(if there not floaters of course...)

dw

Duane Wolff
"The Flying Wasp"
C-25, #401 std,sk
Chief Measurer C-25/250 national Org.
<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b2dc20b3127cce9cd2f45b211a0000004010" border=0>

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