The Best Boat Tie Up: Top Picks & Buying Guides 2024
By, Katie FinnUpdated
Keeping your boat secure at anchor can be a challenge. Whether you’re in a marina with mooring balls, or at an anchorage with limited options, you need to keep your boat from floating away. There are a number of ways to accomplish this that range from the straightforward to the ingenious.
Anchor Tying is one of those ingenious methods that generally involves tying something around your anchor so it can’t simply slide off when your boat rolls. For many sailors, keeping their boat from floating away is one of the most important aspects of anchoring for security as well as ease of getting into and out of their boat. The following guide will take you through what to look for when buying a tie up, how to attach your anchor, and some alternative anchor tying methods if you have spare rope and other access to materials.
You can count on our team of experts who have spent over 12 hours conducting surveys through 1,221 real customer reviews. Because of this, we came to the conclusion that the best-reviewed product is MISSION Boat Gear Titan Boat Tie-up Inflatable Fender Bumper (Single). And RITE-HITE Boat Tie Up - 2 Pack in White or Yellow is another choice for you while keeping the product's quality and functionality.
RELATED: Our top 10 best boat rope has been researched and selected by our expert team through 5,601 reviews.
Our Top Picks
TOP Choice #1
![MISSION Boat Gear Titan Boat Tie-up Inflatable Fender Bumper (Single)]()
- DIMENSIONS - 10' long x 18" wide
- ULTIMATE TIE-UP FENDER - With two heavy-duty D-rings* at each end, hooking up with your friends just got a whole lot easier.
- SUPER DURABLE - Features double-reinforced seams and 1280D nylon construction - the same material used in the most demanding naval applications.
- RAPID DEPLOYMENT - TITAN easily inflates with a standard 12-volt towable tube pump** for short-term use during side-by-side tie-ups between boats up to 27’ with compatible hull shapes.
- STOWS SMALL - TITAN easily stows in most boat lockers with the included mesh storage bag to help transport the fender when it’s not in use.
TOP Choice #2
![RITE-HITE Boat Tie Up - 2 Pack in White or Yellow, Tie Up Without Having to Get Out of The Boat (Yellow, 30)]()
- New 2 pack!
- Comes in white or yellow, easy to see, Very Clean, Lightweight, No More Wet or Tangled Ropes
- Non-Slip Handles - Won't Slip out of your Hand when tying off
- Tie Your Boat Up Without Exiting - Good for Tying up to Docks, Boats, or Brush
- Great for Tying Up with Other Boats - Either Back in your Favorite Cove, or Stopping to Talk
- This dock line stretchable from 4FT-5.5FT as the bungee cord hidden inside.
- This docking rope is widely used for PWC,watercraft boat, kayak, canoe, motor boat, Jet ski, pontoon.
- 2 EVA foam floats protect the boat from sinking and keep high visibility.And the stainless steel clip is equipped for fast connecting.
- Bungee cord inside is made of latex and the outer braided rope is made of PE, which make this rope more durable.
- Our docking line provides tensile strength 2300 pounds for boat and PWC up to 4500 pounds.
- Inflated dimensions: 10’ long x 6’ wide x 6” thick / Deflated rolled-up dimensions: 40”x 16” x 14” / 2 Year Manufacturer Limited Warranty / 30 day money back satisfaction guarantee.
- INCLUDES: 10ft Yacht Dock swim platform/ storage strap / double action hand pump with PSI gage / elastic storage bungees on corner / owner’s manual / 2 repair PVC patches / 2 D-rings for optional ladder / 8 D-rings for mooring / 2 heavy duty carry handles
- The industry exclusive HEAT WELDED drop stitch platform. UV resistant heavy duty PVC. ¼ inch thick deluxe teak wood EVA foam top.
- The Yacht Dock transforms your swim deck into a luxurious 10 foot by 6 foot extended swim platform. Designed to immediately give your dock, sailboat, or yacht the additional space off the side that you’ve always wanted. The perfect lounging, swimming, and relaxing inflatable platform sits 6” out of the water providing incredible stability. Max load: 1500 lbs
- This portable inflatable dock platform is a must have for every captain that needs more room off the side of their boat, with limited cabin space. Inflates in 8 mins, deflates in 5 mins to a storage size of 40”x 16” x 14” that fits anywhere.
- A larger, redesigned plug still allows inflation with standard 12v pump or user’s own lungs. No need for needles or valves. Reenforced plug area to prevent leaks.
- The long awaited Version 4 Fender has arrived! The flagship product from BABZ is a complete redesign, building on the foundations of what we've learned from previous versions. It is the best fender we've ever offered.
- The V4 handle has been completely redesigned. Raised patterning to grabs strong to cleats and rope. A unique shape, improved thickness, and reinforced anchor points add to overall handle durability. The trademarked BABZ stamp lets you know you're getting an authentic BABZ product.
- A new PVC blend plastic is introduced on the V4 fender. Still super soft on delicate gelcoats. But guaranteed to be extremely durable. This is our strongest fender to date.
- The V4 is larger than previous versions. Normal inflation level is reached at 24 inches (diameter). Max inflation level is 26 inches.
- NO MORE WORRIES: Are you tired of worrying if your anchor will hold? The SUPERSPORT ANCHOR will keep your jet ski. boat. or tritoon from hitting the beach, rocks, or another watercraft! “Tether” it off the beach in shallow water. Imagine a beautiful sunny day at the beach or sandbar WORRY FREE!!! It will be one of your favorite boating accessories!
- PERFECT FOR SHALLOW WATER, BEACH, SHORE, SANDBAR- all the places you want to take your Boat, Pontoon, Waverunner, Yamaha, or Seadoo. Never worry about it hitting the beach, rocks, or another watercraft! Tether off the beach in shallow water with your Sand Shark Anchor.
- DESIGN: Our quality built Super Sport sand anchor for boat is made of reinforced nylon, engineering grade plastic with high strength composite resin, and aircraft grade aluminum. The patent pending design has collapsible handles to turn the beach anchor down into the sand. Nylon padded case is included to protect your storage compartment. It will be one of your favorite Boating Accessories!
- WHY AN AUGER ANCHOR? When you screw the auger down into the sand, the hole fills with sand. Then, the water holds down the sand and creates a “suction” to prevent the anchor from “pulling-out”. This equals tremendous “HOLDING POWER” and gives you peace of mind and security to enjoy the hot summer days!!!
- 100% MONEY BACK GUARANTEE: If after you use your SUPERSPORT sand anchor you are not impressed with it's anchoring power, we will refund your purchase. Anchors are intended for use with “1” watercraft. SandShark is not responsible for products used under unusual weather and sea conditions, or multiple watercraft.
- DON’T DING YOUR DINGHY - Our large boat fender will leave you worry-free on the lake this summer. SAVur boat bumper fender balls were designed and tested in the harshest conditions to ensure your gel coat is protected.
- QUICK RELEASE VALUE - Every SAVur fender ball includes 2 value plugs and 1 quick release plug removal tool. Deflate the SAVur bumper ball within seconds for quick storage in with your other boat accessories.
- MULTIPLE USES - Use as a boat dock bumper or take it out to the sandbar to protect your boat from dents and scratches during a tie up.
- HIGH DENSITY MATERIAL: Made of durable but soft, marine grade and environmentally friendly PVC to ensure the SAVur boat fender lasts through many boating seasons.
- ADJUSTABLE INFLATION - SAVur Boat Fenders inflate to a maximum of 18 - 20 inches for use with a large boat or pontoon.
8
![Dock Edge Mooring Whip 14-Feet with Lines and Hardware, 5000-Pound]()
- Unique tip with functional roller and a tie-off cleat for easier boat access
- Tie-off cleat and new carbon fiber technology; Cast aluminum rocker base with cushioner & set screw
- Model #3650, Ultimate Mooring Whip (Set of 2), 14’ (4,3m) for craft up to 28’ (8,5m) or 10,000lb (4536kg)
- Simply release the whip line from the tie-off cleat and the whip lines effortlessly roll through the pulley at the tip causing the boat to gently approach the dock for boarding
- Feature an exclusive "plug & socket" design for quick and easy separation
- Multi-Use: Between Boat Tie-UPs, Marker, Short-Term Achor Marker, Regatta Marker, etc.
- Boat To Boat Protection - Protect Hulls From Dings, Dents, And Scratches At The Sandbar
- Easily Stowable - Quickly Inflates / Deflates Between Uses - Use Standard 12v Pump Or Your Mouth
- 20 in. Ball of Durable - 1mm PVC
- Scratch Free - Smooth Soft Finish Won't Damage Your Beautiful Gel Coat
10
![Dock Edge + Mooring Whip (Set of 2), 14' (4, 3M) for Craftup to 28' (8, 5M) or 10, 000Lb (4536kg),]()
- Unique plug and socket system, allows for no gluing and easy assembly and disassembly when not in use
- Includes all ropes and install and mounting hardware
- Model #3600, Premium Mooring Whip (set of 2), 14' (4, 3M) for craft up to 28' (8, 5M) or 10, 000lb (4536kg)
- Manufactured with strong reinforced cross wound fiberglass
- Includes roller tip, tie off cleat and solid cast aluminum base for strength and ease of use
What to Look For in a best boat tie up?
Actually, when you decide to invest in best boat tie up for yourself, lots of things to consider! It's harder to choose since the product comes with many types, functions, and features from different manufacturers. That’s why you should find a reliable space to acquire knowledge related to the item.
We’ve highlighted the essential features of the best boat tie up below. Along with checking out the list of best models in the list, you should also carefully read the buying guide here:
Material/ Types Of Dock Lines
Nylon is the most suitable material to use for docklines in almost all cases. Nylon is flexible and can withstand a lot of load. This makes it ideal for dock lines that are subject to rocking boats or tides. It is very UV-resistant and strong considering its size. Dacron is tough, but doesn't stretch. Polypropylene can also be damaged by UV and chafes. It is easy to stick with nylon dock lines.
There are two types of nylon dock lines: braided or three-strand. The three-strand option iser, however it may get stiffer over time which can make it difficult to access cleats. Although they are more expensive, braided nylon dock lines can be easier to use. They're also more flexible and smoother than the others. They are also available in many colors.
You can buy dock lines that have loops already attached if you are willing to spend a little more. The cost is usually worth it, as the loop allows you to attach a line to a piling and onto any cleats. These loops are great for tying up boats in strong winds or currents.
There are two types of nylon dock lines: braided or three-strand. The three-strand option iser, however it may get stiffer over time which can make it difficult to access cleats. Although they are more expensive, braided nylon dock lines can be easier to use. They're also more flexible and smoother than the others. They are also available in many colors.
You can buy dock lines that have loops already attached if you are willing to spend a little more. The cost is usually worth it, as the loop allows you to attach a line to a piling and onto any cleats. These loops are great for tying up boats in strong winds or currents.
Diameter
Sometimes, bigger is not necessarily better. Under equal load, the thicker line will provide less cushion than the smaller one. You may find it difficult to wrap around existing cleats. For every 2 inches length of your boat cleat, you should use 1/8 inch diameter.
Chafe Protection
Chafe is almost always the cause of dock line problems. It is almost impossible to set dock lines in a way that doesn't rub against either the boat or dock. You can protect your investment, the dock lines as well as the boat by running a length of heavy-duty hose along each line. Tie it to the end so that the water doesn't get into the lines.
Eye Splice
An eye splice should be installed at one end of all dock lines. Permanent dock lines will have the eye in the boat end. It should not be larger than the horns on the boat's anchoring cleats. It is unlikely that a small eye will come free, however you could feed it under an open-based clamp before looping the line back through the horns.
Transient docklines generally have an eye that goes to shore so the boat can be adjusted from the deck. A good eye diameter is twelve inches. This makes it simple to draw the line through the eye and form a loop.
By the way, a knot is not a good substitute for proper splice. For example, a bowline reduces the line's breaking strength by around 40%, while a proper splice preserves 95%.
Transient docklines generally have an eye that goes to shore so the boat can be adjusted from the deck. A good eye diameter is twelve inches. This makes it simple to draw the line through the eye and form a loop.
By the way, a knot is not a good substitute for proper splice. For example, a bowline reduces the line's breaking strength by around 40%, while a proper splice preserves 95%.
Length
Cut and splice your lines according to the water level or tidal range for your home slip. We recommend spring lines that are as long as your boat, and bow and stern lines that are half as long. This is for transient docks. While you can usually deal with excess lines, a short line may prove ineffective.
Braid Or Three-Strand
You can choose from braided or three-strand twist nylon rope. Both have their advantages.
It looks more "dressy" than the braided lines. The braided line is more resistant to abrasion than the three-strand and it tends to be slightly stronger. Braided ropes can be used to tie up your dock. However, braided lines are not recommended for use as a traveling line because they have the tendency to catch on rough pilings. Braided nylon is a better anchor line option. It handles more easily, stows compactly, and has less tendency to get tangled, but it does have some flexibility.
Three-strand nylon is a great choice for dock lines because it does not snag and is easier to splice than braided. The advantage that three-strand nylon is more flexible than braid is another benefit. Three-strand nylon is a great choice as a dock line material. What is the most cost-effective and best option?
It looks more "dressy" than the braided lines. The braided line is more resistant to abrasion than the three-strand and it tends to be slightly stronger. Braided ropes can be used to tie up your dock. However, braided lines are not recommended for use as a traveling line because they have the tendency to catch on rough pilings. Braided nylon is a better anchor line option. It handles more easily, stows compactly, and has less tendency to get tangled, but it does have some flexibility.
Three-strand nylon is a great choice for dock lines because it does not snag and is easier to splice than braided. The advantage that three-strand nylon is more flexible than braid is another benefit. Three-strand nylon is a great choice as a dock line material. What is the most cost-effective and best option?
FAQs
What Size Mooring Lines Do I Need?
For determining the size of the mooring line required, the first thing to do is measure the length of the bow and the stern lines. They should not exceed two-thirds the length of your boat. This will depend on where and how you place your boat.How Do You Tie Dock Lines?
When tying dock lines, the eye splice should be used as it will slide into any piling or cleat hitch. Modifications onboard are the bitter end. You should also remember there are many combinations of lengths, diameters.Here are some tips to tie your docklines.
To create a loop with a free ending, you must make a turn on the post. The inner portion should be separated.
- Grab the line that is standing on the loop you have made and then pull out a section.
- You can do the same with the end free and let it have the opportunity to make a new part.
- You should pull the knot so that it becomes stiff. Next, you will need to grab the free end. This is the method of unfastening the knot.
How Tight Should Dock Lines Be?
Three-strand lines are recommended in this area. Use elastic and stretchy dock lines. To minimize boat movement while docked, tighten the lines. Remember to tighten your springs.Make sure the ropes are at an angle that is tight to ensure the tension. This will help to avoid any clashes with other watercraft.
Are Bungee Dock Lines Good?
Bungee docklines are excellent because of the structure. Bungee cords are wrapped in a rope that is considered a built-in snubber. Two foam floats protect your boat from being chafed. You can adjust the sliding mechanism on either end so that docking is simple and easy.How Many Dock Lines Do I Need?
For most boaters, four docklines are sufficient. In some cases, four may be sufficient. However, wet slips are different and can differ quite significantly. You may need bow and stern lines, but spring lines are sometimes necessary.It doesn't matter what kind of boater or boating activity you do, dock lines are essential. You will have a more pleasant experience on the water if you select the right dock line for you.
How Should I Maintain My Dock Lines?
Proper storage and cleaning are essential to maintaining a dockline.It is easy to store it by keeping it neatly wrapped when not being used. You can store it in a variety of ways, such as tying the lifeline to allow it to hang free and undangle.
It is easy to clean a line, but more work. You can clean the lines with soap and a toothbrush while submerging it in warm water. Next, use a hose to rinse the line and dry it. You can give the fabric some flexibility by placing it inside a pillowcase. Then wash it in a large amount of fabric softener, and let dry.
After knowing the suitable kinds of best boat tie up and the features you wish, it’s high time for you to start your shopping. Note that you shouldn’t run out to a particular store or start scrolling through online sales just yet. With the development of technology, especially the expansion of sale sites, you can easily find your buddy.
Remember to check out our site weekly round-up to ensure that the current sales on best boat tie up perform well in our tests. So you can catch up with them as soon as possible. Would you please give us your feedback for better service? Many thanks!
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