Rope or line?

Earlier today as I was reading one of my favorite blogs, I noticed an ad for "boat rope". Seeing this in print made me decide it was time to have the rope vs. line discussion. By definition, rope is cordage as purchased in a store. However, as most boaters know, rope becomes line when it comes aboard a vessel and is put to use. Therefore, you use docking lines, not boat rope, to tie a boat to a dock. So, the next time you pull up to a dock, turn to your first mate and politely ask "Toss me a line" instead of "Give me a rope". You'll be surprised how quickly those funny looks from other docking boaters will go away. Boating is so much fun!