Professional Rope Supply for Dock Builders & Marine Construction
Orion Cordage delivers industrial-grade rope solutions engineered specifically for dock builders and marine construction professionals. From mooring lines to heavy-duty braided rope, our products withstand harsh saltwater environments, UV exposure, and continuous load stress. With over 165 years of manufacturing excellence, we provide the strength, durability, and reliability your marine projects demand.
Our Dock & Marine Construction Rope Solutions
Engineered for strength and longevity, our rope products deliver reliable performance in demanding marine construction environments.
Mooring Lines
High-strength mooring rope built for securing vessels at docks and marinas. Engineered for consistent load control, these lines perform reliably across varying water and weather conditions, providing dependable support for both temporary and permanent marine installations.
Intricate weaving with high-performance fibers delivers exceptional durability and smooth handling. Tightly woven construction resists flattening under pressure, reduces snagging, and provides long service life in marine rigging and construction applications.
Premium natural fiber rope valued for rugged strength and textured grip. Ideal for marine dock lines, hand lines, and general construction utility. Poly manila option delivers the same visual style with added resistance to moisture, rot, and sunlight.
Classic twisted design offers reliable performance and excellent knot holding. Built for durability while remaining simple to handle. Perfect for anchor lines, towing, securing loads, and general marine construction tasks requiring dependable strength.
Durable ropes engineered for smooth handling, exceptional strength, and long-lasting resistance to sun, salt, and abrasion. Ideal for dock lines, anchor lines, fender lines, and all recreational and commercial marine docking needs.
Strong natural fiber rope with excellent grip and eco-friendly properties. Made from Agave sisalana, it's valued for dependable knot performance and coarse texture. Ideal for marine applications, agricultural tying, and general-purpose utility use.
Dock builders and marine construction professionals face unique challenges—constant exposure to saltwater, UV rays, heavy loads, and dynamic weather conditions. Our rope solutions are manufactured to meet these demands head-on. With thousands of SKUs designed, manufactured, and tested at our own factories in the USA and Canada, we deliver cordage that performs reliably season after season. Whether you're securing pilings, rigging lifts, or installing permanent mooring systems, Orion Cordage provides the strength and consistency your projects require.
Proven Performance
Trusted by Industry Leaders
Leading dock builders and marine construction firms across North America rely on Orion Cordage for their most demanding projects.
"Customers who move away from Orion rope always end up coming back - they want the good stuff! I won't carry any other brands of nylon, polyester, or combination products."
Owner
"Having Jenny and Uri guide me through the entire process, made the experience much less stressful. They are very personable, knowledgeable, and take pride in their work. They communicated clearly and ensured I was comfortable with what was happening at each step of the build. We were able to build..."
Karen Fisher
"I view Orion reps as members of my own team. They are great with end customers and I know I can trust them."
Branch manager
"Nice people and very helpful, delivered resin on silo around 7.30pm,call ahead if going in late"
Sumandeep Dhillon
"Very quick, friendly."
Sergii Atroshchenko
"Orion has been a lifesaver for us. Our customers know they are getting very high quality domestic product, the prices are great, and their lead times are always tight. I recommend Orion whenever I get the chance."
Branch manager
"Customers who move away from Orion rope always end up coming back - they want the good stuff! I won't carry any other brands of nylon, polyester, or combination products."
Owner
"Having Jenny and Uri guide me through the entire process, made the experience much less stressful. They are very personable, knowledgeable, and take pride in their work. They communicated clearly and ensured I was comfortable with what was happening at each step of the build. We were able to build..."
Karen Fisher
"I view Orion reps as members of my own team. They are great with end customers and I know I can trust them."
Branch manager
"Nice people and very helpful, delivered resin on silo around 7.30pm,call ahead if going in late"
Sumandeep Dhillon
"Very quick, friendly."
Sergii Atroshchenko
"Orion has been a lifesaver for us. Our customers know they are getting very high quality domestic product, the prices are great, and their lead times are always tight. I recommend Orion whenever I get the chance."
Branch manager
"Customers who move away from Orion rope always end up coming back - they want the good stuff! I won't carry any other brands of nylon, polyester, or combination products."
Owner
"Having Jenny and Uri guide me through the entire process, made the experience much less stressful. They are very personable, knowledgeable, and take pride in their work. They communicated clearly and ensured I was comfortable with what was happening at each step of the build. We were able to build..."
Karen Fisher
"I view Orion reps as members of my own team. They are great with end customers and I know I can trust them."
Branch manager
"Nice people and very helpful, delivered resin on silo around 7.30pm,call ahead if going in late"
Sumandeep Dhillon
"Very quick, friendly."
Sergii Atroshchenko
"Orion has been a lifesaver for us. Our customers know they are getting very high quality domestic product, the prices are great, and their lead times are always tight. I recommend Orion whenever I get the chance."
Branch manager
The Orion Difference
Why Choose Orion Cordage?
Over 165 years of manufacturing excellence and a commitment to quality make us North America's most trusted industrial cordage supplier.
Domestic Manufacturing
Thousands of SKUs designed, manufactured, and tested at our own factories in the USA and Canada, ensuring consistent quality and tight lead times.
165+ Years of Excellence
Manufacturing and distributing rope and cordage since 1856. Our strong heritage in domestic production means proven reliability for marine construction professionals throughout North America.
Industry-Leading Availability
Superior product availability and supply chain integration ensure you get the right rope when you need it, minimizing project delays and downtime.
Engineered for Durability
Our marine-grade rope solutions are specifically engineered to withstand harsh saltwater environments, UV exposure, and continuous load stress with consistent performance.
Leadership Built on Trust
Meet the team guiding Orion Cordage's commitment to excellence.
Rishi Sahel
Co-CEO
Rishi Sahel serves as Co-CEO of Orion Cordage, bringing strategic leadership to one of North America's most trusted manufacturers of industrial cordage. Under his guidance, Orion continues to deliver on its core promise: trust in products, trust in experience, and trust in reliable delivery. Rishi is committed to maintaining the company's strong heritage in domestic manufacturing while ensuring dock builders, marine construction professionals, and industrial customers receive the durable rope solutions they depend on. His leadership reinforces Orion's values of problem-solving, quality excellence, and leaving a lasting legacy in the cordage industry. With a focus on customer success and operational excellence, Rishi helps drive Orion's mission to support the heroes who complete every job with confidence.
Martin Thiel
Co-CEO
Martin Thiel serves as Co-CEO of Orion Cordage, leading the company's commitment to manufacturing excellence and customer trust. With deep expertise in industrial cordage, Martin ensures Orion delivers high-quality, domestically manufactured rope solutions to dock builders, marine construction professionals, and industrial customers across North America. His leadership focuses on maintaining tight lead times, superior product availability, and the supply chain integration that sets Orion apart. Martin is dedicated to upholding the company's 165-year heritage while fostering a culture where quality is non-negotiable and continuous improvement is paramount. Under his guidance, Orion's team—many with 30+ years of service—continues to solve complex challenges and deliver rope products engineered for demanding conditions. Martin's vision reinforces Orion's core values and its mission to help customers complete every project with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best rope for docking a boat?
The best rope for docking depends on your vessel size and conditions. Nylon 3-strand rope offers excellent shock absorption and strength for most docking applications. Braided nylon provides smooth handling and reduced chafing. For permanent dock installations, double-braided polyester offers low stretch and superior UV resistance. Orion Cordage manufactures dock lines specifically engineered for marine environments with proven durability against saltwater, sun exposure, and continuous load stress.
What are dock ropes called?
Dock ropes are commonly called dock lines, mooring lines, or berth lines. In marine construction and professional applications, they may also be referred to as mooring ropes, tie-up lines, or dock hawsers depending on their size and specific use. These terms generally describe ropes used to secure vessels to docks, pilings, or other fixed structures.
How long should a dock rope be?
Dock rope length depends on your vessel size, dock height, and tidal range. A general rule is 2/3 of your boat's length for bow and stern lines, and equal to your boat's length for spring lines. For construction applications, consider maximum tidal changes, distance from cleats to pilings, and necessary slack for knot tying. In areas with significant tidal variation, longer lines prevent over-tightening. Professional dock builders often specify custom lengths based on site-specific conditions.
What rope materials are best for marine construction?
For marine construction, nylon, polyester, and polypropylene are top choices. Nylon offers superior strength and shock absorption. Polyester provides excellent UV resistance and low stretch for permanent installations. Polypropylene floats and resists water absorption. Natural fibers like manila are also used where traditional aesthetics or specific grip characteristics are required. Orion manufactures all these options to meet diverse marine construction needs.
How do I choose the right rope diameter for dock building?
Rope diameter selection depends on load requirements, working conditions, and safety factors. For most dock construction, 1/2" to 1" diameter ropes handle typical loads. Larger vessels or heavy-duty applications may require 1-1/4" or greater. Always consult breaking strength specifications and apply appropriate safety factors (typically 5:1 for dynamic loads). Our team can help specify the correct diameter for your specific project requirements.
Does Orion Cordage offer custom rope lengths for marine projects?
Yes, Orion Cordage manufactures custom rope lengths and configurations to meet specific marine construction project requirements. With domestic manufacturing facilities in the USA and Canada, we can produce custom lengths, spliced ends, and specialized configurations. Contact our team to discuss your project specifications and lead time requirements.
What is the typical lead time for bulk marine rope orders?
Lead times vary based on rope type, quantity, and customization requirements. Our industry-leading product availability and domestic manufacturing typically allow for faster delivery than overseas suppliers. Standard products often ship within days, while custom orders are produced with tight lead times. Contact us with your specific requirements for accurate delivery timelines.
How should marine construction rope be stored and maintained?
Store rope in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight and chemicals. Rinse saltwater exposure regularly with fresh water and allow to dry before coiling. Inspect regularly for chafing, UV damage, or fiber degradation. Avoid dragging rope over rough surfaces. Proper storage and maintenance significantly extends service life, especially in harsh marine environments.
Need Expert Rope Recommendations?
Our team of cordage specialists can help you select the right rope solution for your marine construction project.
Trusted & Reliable
Awards and Recognition
165+ Years in Business
Manufacturing rope and cordage since 1856
Domestic Manufacturing Excellence
USA and Canada factory production standards
Industry-Leading Availability
Superior supply chain and product reliability
Get the Right Rope for Your Dock Building Project
Contact us today for expert recommendations, custom orders, or bulk pricing on marine construction rope solutions.