Best line for dinghy

[FabioC]

Hi,
I remember there was a thread about this some time back, but cannot find it with the search...

What's the best bow line for the dinghy? Nylon or Polyester?
What's a good length?

Thank you!

[puffcard]

One that floats, like a polyprop double braided. If just a bow line and not towing, 20ft is ok. You should tow with a two point bridle. Go to Defender and search dinghy painter, both Sampson and New England make the line.

[FabioC]

Thank you for the reply.
Yes, it should allow for occasional towing as well.

[JPA Cate]

Ideally, it should be long enough for your dinghy to ride almost to the top of the 2nd swell behind the transom of the mother boat.... but that means you have to remember to shorten it up so that the painter can't get sucked into the mother boat's prop, before you anchor, or tie up.

Ann

[GordMay]

I used a separate Bridle/Painter & Tow Line.
Bridle: Double Braid MFP (Multifilament Polypropylene) over Polyester core (floats).
Tow line: Polyester. (low stretch)

[FabioC]

Originally Posted by JPA Cate

Ideally, it should be long enough for your dinghy to ride almost to the top of the 2nd swell behind the transom of the mother boat.... but that means you have to remember to shorten it up so that the painter can't get sucked into the mother boat's prop, before you anchor, or tie up.

Ann

Is the line shortening thing required even if the line floats?
Thank you!

[deblen]

Lifering rope works well for me. Available at most chandlers.

https://www.thechandleryonline.com/p...ducts_id=10920

[basssears]

New England ropes makes a combo line that is both nylon and polypropylene... floats, but less susceptible to UV deterioration than straight poly:
New England Ropes Dinghy Tow Rope | APS

We use this and it works well.

-- Bass

[Smokeys Kitchen]

We use a short bridle on the dinghy itself with a small float at the join of the bridle leads. We use Sampson MFP for the towing line - with enough length to go out to @ 50 - 75' if necessary behind the boat

[thinwater]

Originally Posted by FabioC

Is the line shortening thing required even if the line floats?
Thank you!

Yes. In part you shorten it to maintain better control. But also, just because it floats does not mean it can't get sucked down if you run it over.

Floating line can get in the prop too if you are careless.

[RichandHelen]

Do dinks take on much water when it's a bit sloppy? Or is this simply not a worry under "normal" conditions? I'm thinking 3' or less and no torrential rain. Do you ever have to go to the length of stopping to have a look and/or bail out the dink?

[Cheechako]

I like nylon for the stretch and durability. But a floating line might be nice if it's UV resistant. Polypropylene degrades fast. You can use it, and it's cheap, but replace it yearly.

[KP44]

A dinghy painter must be floating or it will get fouled in the prop.
I use a polypropylene double braid and replace it every two years. I splice a big eye at the bitter end and have a small float next to a fastener at the end that connects to the dinghy. It sounds complex but it is easy to do and functional. The little net float keeps the heavy fastener from sinking. The rest of the line easily floats.

[JD-Odyssey]

Originally Posted by JPA Cate

Ideally, it should be long enough for your dinghy to ride almost to the top of the 2nd swell behind the transom of the mother boat.... but that means you have to remember to shorten it up so that the painter can't get sucked into the mother boat's prop, before you anchor, or tie up.

Ann

Been there and done that when the water was a bit on the cold side... not a fun time to free up the prop. Lessons learned...

[patprice]

Originally Posted by FabioC

Hi,
I remember there was a thread about this some time back, but cannot find it with the search...

What's the best bow line for the dinghy? Nylon or Polyester?
What's a good length?

Thank you!

This comment does not answer your question!
But, towing a dinghy is from time to time going to cause grief. Believe me!
When possible take the dinghy out of the water and yes use a floating painter.
My Australian boat is somewhat tucked in at the stern and with the painter tied at the gunwale half way along the deck the dinghy rides nicely under the quarter. A ducky, not for a hard dinghy.