Sailboat Lines and Ropes: Dyneema, Polyester and Technora by Job and Diameter
The right rope comes down to three decisions — the core and cover (polyester, Stirotex, Dyneema SK38, SK78 or SK99, or Technora), the construction (double braid or single braid) and the diameter for the job. This page is the starting point; the sub-collections below carry the products. Rope and line here is sold by the foot, so you order the length you need in feet.
Line Families by Job
- Racing halyards, sheets and control lines: in the Premium Ropes Racing collection — S Cup (Stirotex core, polyester cover, 3 to 16 mm), DX Cup (Dyneema SK78 core, polyester cover, 6 to 14 mm) and TN Racing (Stirotex core, Technora polyester cover, 4 to 16 mm). Compare the DX Cup 10 mm.
- Performance cruising: DX Performance, a Dyneema SK38 core with a polyester cover in 8, 10 and 12 mm. For club racing there is the Technora and polyester blend in 5 to 14 mm.
- Cruising halyards, sheets and control lines: Cruiser XTS polyester double braid, in solid colors, Grip, Grip MX mixes and Flecks (recycled polyester), from 4 to 16 mm. Start with the Cruiser XTS Solid 10 mm.
- Classic look: S Cup Classic, Stirotex core with polyester cover, 3 to 14 mm.
- Single braid: the single braid range — DX Core 78 (Dyneema SK78, 2.5 to 10 mm), DX Core 99 (Dyneema SK99, 2 to 6 mm), DX Core 78 HPS heat-set (3 to 8 mm) and S Core Stirotex (3 to 14 mm).
- Dinghy control lines: DX Trim, Dyneema SK78 core with a polyester cover, 2 to 6 mm.
- Elastic and shock cord: Elastic (latex and polyester, 3 to 10 mm) and S Shock (latex and Stirotex, 3 to 6 mm).
- Docking and anchoring: Premium Ropes dock lines in polyester double braid from 8 to 24 mm, plus Eco-Dock in recycled polyester from 10 to 16 mm, and anchor lines in polyester 3-strand (8 to 16 mm) and 8-strand (16 to 24 mm). The full ranges are in Dock Lines, Anchor Lines and Fender Lines.
- Furling lines: see Furling Lines for furling lines and loops from Harken, Facnor and MAURIPRO.
- Finishing and protection: whipping twine (1.0 to 1.4 mm), chafe guards (16 to 56 mm) and soft shackles (2 to 8 mm).
Dyneema or Polyester
Our catalog lists the Cruiser XTS polyester double braid with low stretch for cruising halyards, sheets and control lines, and the DX Cup with a Dyneema SK78 core with minimal stretch for racing halyards, sheets and control lines. The breaking strength follows the build: at 10 mm, the listing gives 2,660 kg for Cruiser XTS Solid and 4,900 kg for DX Cup. SK99 is the stronger Dyneema: the DX Core 99 listing states a 20% strength advantage over SK78. Match the build to the job: the listings recommend DX Cup for racing and Cruiser XTS for cruising. The Dyneema diameter guide goes deeper.
Double Braid or Single Braid
- Double braid: a core inside a cover. The DX Cup listing notes that the protected core extends rope service life.
- Single braid: a single Dyneema or Stirotex braid with no separate cover. The DX Core 99 listing recommends it for control lines and high-load applications, and the 4 mm size lists a breaking strength of 1,957 kg.
Choosing the Diameter and Length
Diameter is set by the job, the load and what the line must run through — blocks, clutches and winches. Product pages list breaking strength by diameter, so compare there rather than guessing. Measure the length along the real path of the line, including the run back to the cockpit. Our rope diameter and length guide and the running rigging buyer's framework walk through it.
Who It's For
Cruising sailors renewing halyards and sheets, racers chasing low stretch, dinghy sailors fitting new control lines, and owners restocking dock, anchor and fender lines. Every line is curated by MAURIPRO Sailing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which rope should I use for halyards?
For racing, the listings point to DX Cup (Dyneema SK78 core) or TN Racing (Technora cover); for cruising, to Cruiser XTS polyester double braid. The diameter depends on your boat and hardware, so check the sizing guide.
Is Dyneema better than polyester?
It depends on the job. Dyneema has minimal stretch and, at 10 mm, a higher catalog breaking strength (4,900 kg DX Cup against 2,660 kg Cruiser XTS Solid). Polyester has low stretch and suits cruising halyards, sheets and control lines.
How is the rope sold?
By the foot. Pick the product for your diameter and color, then order the number of feet you need.
What line do I use for docking and anchoring?
Docking: polyester double braid dock lines from 8 to 24 mm. Anchoring: polyester 3-strand or 8-strand anchor lines from 8 to 24 mm. Ranges are in Dock Lines and Anchor Lines.
What is the difference between single braid and double braid?
Double braid has a core and a cover. Single braid is one braid with no separate cover; the SK99 listing recommends it for control lines and high-load applications.