Mooring Line Load Calculator

Calculate wind and current loads on moored vessels and size dock lines appropriately

Load Analysis

Total Wind Load --
Total Current Load --
Combined Maximum Load --
Load per Line (Working) --
Required Line Strength --
Recommended Line Diameter --
Windage Area (Lateral) --
Underwater Area --

Nylon Dock Line Reference

Diameter Breaking Strength Working Load (15%)
3/8"4,400 lbs660 lbs
1/2"7,500 lbs1,125 lbs
5/8"12,400 lbs1,860 lbs
3/4"17,000 lbs2,550 lbs
1"29,800 lbs4,470 lbs

Dock Line Guidelines

Line Length Recommendations

Bow & Stern Lines: 2/3 of boat length minimum.

Spring Lines: Equal to or greater than boat length.

Breast Lines: Just long enough to reach cleats with some slack.

Material Selection

Nylon (3-strand): Best shock absorption, standard choice for dock lines.

Nylon (double braid): Less stretch, better for spring lines.

Polypropylene: Floats but weak - not recommended for dock lines.