Different boating tasks need specialized lines—and the right knots.
Having the right lines onboard is critical to any boating trip, and pontoons are no exception. In this overview, we’ll review the types of lines you’ll need, and the proper knots with which to secure them.
Dock Lines
Skill level: Low
Used for: Securing boat to dock
For pontoons, the best dock lines is a 3/8-inch double-braided nylon, which comes in a variety of colors for customization. This smooth, supple rope makes it easy to tie to cleats and has enough stretch to absorb the jerking that can happen when a boat wake rocks your pontoon. Dock lines of this type usually have a loop pre-formed at one end, and this should be the one that goes on the dock when visiting transient docks like those at restaurants. At your home dock, use the loop end on your boat and tie a cleat knot on the dockside cleat with the “bitter end” (the end without a loop), then Flemish (coil) the like to make it neat and lessen the tripping hazard of an untidy line.
Fender Lines
Skill level: Medium
Used for: Tying anchor to line
The best line to use for anchoring is the triple-strand, twisted nylon line that has a bumpier surface for a better grip when pulling the anchor. The hardware attached to the anchor is called ground tackle and usually consists of a length of chain connected to the anchor with a shackle, which has a pin that screws into the shackle’s ear. If not using a chain, tie the line (aka the rode) to the anchor ring using an anchor bend knot to provide a solid connection between line and anchor.
Anchor Lines
Skill level: Medium
Used for: Tying anchor to line
The best line to use for anchoring is the triple-strand, twisted nylon line that has a bumpier surface for a better grip when pulling the anchor. The hardware attached to the anchor is called ground tackle and usually consists of a length of chain connected to the anchor with a shackle, which has a pin that screws into the shackle’s ear. If not using a chain, tie the line (aka the rode) to the anchor ring using an anchor bend knot to provide a solid connection between line and anchor.
Tow Ropes
Skill level: Low
Used for: Tying tow rope to pylon
When towing riders for watersports, the proper line to use is dependent on sport. Tubes need a beefi er line than most people would guess. A four-person tube that has a passenger capacity of 840 pounds requires a towline rated for 4,000 pounds. Most tow ropes are polypropylene, which fl oats and offers a little bit of stretch, which most recreational wakeboard and slalom skiers prefer. Skilled wakeboard riders prefer nonstretch lines made of Spectra, Dyneema or Poly E. These lines are secured using a loop knot that’s created by reaching through the existing loop at the end of the line, grabbing the line, pulling it through the loop, then placing the newly-formed loop over the pylon. To shorten a wakeboard line to allow the rider to catch the best part of the wake, don’t tie a hard loop knot. Instead, take a double-section of the line and wrap it around the pylon once then take the loop at the end and place it over the top of the pylon and pull it snug.
Having the correct line and knowing the right knot isn’t optional—it’s critical knowledge for all boaters, from beginner to expert. We hope this guide has been helpful, and will make your time on the water safer and more enjoyable. You can also learn techniques for properly docking a pontoon boat before you tie up here.
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