Let’s compare top rope dock lines for boats of 2024 in detail.

Dock lines are a must-have for successful boating outings. Boats & Charters editors reviewed the best dock lines of 2024. Read on for our editors’ top picks!

Snatching up a solid pair of dock lines is a mandatory thing to check off of your list if you’re a boat owner. Dock lines come in handy for different reasons, but the main and obvious reason is utilizing them when you dock up, whether on a traditional pier or if you’ve found a shaded natural cove as you were cruising around a lake. Not sure how to dock up or what you need to do it? We’ve got you covered.

Here are five tips on how to dock your boat:

Docking a boat for beginners in 5 steps

1. Be aware of your surroundings. It’s ideal to dock at a calm moment, whether that means waiting for some wind or wake to settle down or making sure you’re not cutting or running out of gas in a line of other boaters near the dock.
2. Prepare your dock lines before pulling up to the dock. Untangle them if you need and have them accessible and ready to go.
3. Slowly glide toward the dock.
4. If you don’t have boat fenders (another must-have in our books) you need to make sure your boat doesn’t hit the dock using something like a paddle, life vest, or just manually pushing off depending on the size of your boat.
5. Use your dock lines to tie off your boat!

Bonus tip: Consider color when you stock up on rope dock lines. You might want to match your rope dock lines with your boat fenders. You’ll need both and it’s satisfying when they match.

Here are the best dock lines of 2024, reviewed by our editors:

1. Rainier Supply Co. Boat Dock Lines and Rope, 2-Pack – Best Dock Lines

Keep your vessel safe and secured with a quality set of dock lines from Rainier Supply Co. These dock lines are built to withstand the toughest conditions. Made from double-braided nylon, these dock lines allow for controlled stretch and increased shock absorption.

Much softer than other marine rope, these lines feel smooth in your hands and limit scratching to your boat’s hull and topsides. Each line has a tensile strength of 4035 pounds and a recommended maximum working load of up to 820 pounds, perfect for boats up to 27 feet in length. Each package contains two 15’x3/8” dock lines with a 12” eyelet, making these a great value. 

2. Innocedear Marine-Grade Dock Lines, 4-Pack – Most Popular

Upgrade to these best-selling INNOCEDEAR Dock Lines and experience true peace of mind. These double braided ½” x 15’ dock lines are durable and built to last season after season. Double braided nylon dock lines are 25-30% stronger than three strand dock lines, and these are no exception.

Also available in a 2-pack, these durable ropes are strong yet smooth and easy on your boat’s finish. Featuring a 12” eyelet for docking convenience and heat treated at the ends, these lines will not fray or unravel. Furnished in a classic navy blue and sold in packs of four, these dock lines offer great peace of mind when it’s time to tie up.

3. Greenever Rope Dock Lines – Best Value, 12% OFF

These double-braided nylon dock lines by Greenever are quality, a crowd-favorite on Amazon, and they’re discounted ahead of boating season ’24. Grab a pack of these durable ropes to keep on hand in case additional towing needs come up this summer.