Mooring ropes, mooring lines
In this category you may find mooring ropes and mooring lines. These ropes are especially suitable for mooring a boat on the quay, on the pier on another boat. The idea is to keep your boat safely moored and calmly at the berth - even in bad weather conditions. Therefore, every motorboat and every sailing boat needs reliable mooring lines! Here we have compiled the most important information and tips for you to consider when choosing the right mooring line for your boat:
6 properties of ideal mooring lines
The ideal mooring line should have a combination of six different characteristics:
Elasticity / stretch: A good mooring line is very elastic so that the boat lies as still as possible. A mooring line with high stretchability (expressed in %) can partially compensate for boat movements caused by the swell. The more elastic the mooring lines, the better: More Energy generated by wind and waves can be absorbed by the lines. The effect on the boat is reduced effectively. On the one hand, this makes the stay on the moored boat more pleasant and on the other hand helps to prevent damage to the boat. The stretch of the mooring line depends on its material and its construction. The ideal mooring line is very elastic and therefore has a particularly good damping effect.
Breaking load: The breaking load is the maximum force a rope can withstand in a straight pull until it breaks. The breaking load is specified in Deka-Newton (daN), Kilo-Newton (kN), pounds (lb.) or tons (t). The breaking load of the mooring should be appropriate to the mass of the boat, so that it remains securely moored even in storms and heavy seas. However, the breaking load of a mooring line is reduced by abrasion or chafing, by exposure to sunlight or UV radiation, by water absorption and knots. Therefore, a certain safety reserve should always be provided for the breaking load of the mooring line.
Abrasion resistance: Berths and moorages usually have many potential points where mooring lines can rub or chafe. As even small abrasion points considerably reduce the breaking load of a mooring line, it is important to ensure that the mooring lines are as resistant as possible to chafing. Ideal mooring lines are therefore robust and have a high abrasion resistance.
UV-resistance: Mooring lines are generally exposed to the sun for long periods of time. UV exposure accelerates the ageing of the rope and can cause it to become brittle, porous, or fragile. In addition, UV radiation generally reduces the elasticity of the mooring line, which in turn has a negative effect on its damping effect.
Handling / softness: A good mooring line should also have good handling properties. A flexible, lithe, easy to handle mooring line does not tend to chink. It is nice and supple, so that it can be easily employed. Coiling and splicing a handy line usually is easier and faster.
Buoyancy: Mooring lines can easily fall into the water. In these cases, it is helpful if the material is buoyant and the line does not get into someone's propeller. However, buoyancy is considered subordinate to the other properties. Ideally, there should be one or two additional floatable mooring lines on board, but these should not be used for permanent mooring.
Unfortunately, there is not just one rope available that meets all these requirements. Hence, it is necessary to select the most suitable mooring line regarding construction, material, and price-performance ratio.
