Ship Ropes & Mooring Lines | Marine Nautical Rope Solutions

Sailors refer to ropes as lines. Different lines have specific names based on their function, such as halyards, sheets, spring lines, bow lines, and stern lines used in sailing and docking operations.

A ship's safety rope is called a lifeline. These are tensioned lines running around a vessel's deck perimeter to prevent crew from falling overboard and to provide secure attachment points for safety harnesses.

Large ship ropes are called hawsers or mooring lines. These heavy-duty ropes, often several inches in diameter, are used to secure large vessels to docks, piers, and for towing operations.

Nylon is preferred for mooring lines due to its excellent shock absorption and stretch properties. Polyester offers low stretch for applications requiring precise tensioning. HMPE provides maximum strength with minimal weight for demanding offshore operations.

Select anchor line diameter based on your vessel size and expected loads. General rule: 1/8 inch diameter per 9 feet of boat length for working anchors. Always verify with breaking strength ratings and safety factors for your specific application.

3-strand twisted rope offers excellent strength, easy splicing, and good shock absorption. Double braid provides higher strength, better abrasion resistance, more flexibility, and torque-free handling, making it ideal for demanding marine applications.