You can tell a lot about a boat just by looking at how the dock lines are stored. I’ve worked on everything from small trailer boats to 50 metre superyachts, and the difference in organisation is massive. On the big boats, lines are stored properly because they have to be. Space is tight, time matters and nobody wants a crew member tripping over tangled rope mid-docking.
On most Aussie boats though, people just improvise. Lines get coiled on the deck, shoved into lockers or loosely looped over a rail. It works until it doesn’t. Next thing you know you’re kicking a tangle out of the way or trying to untie a wet knot while the boat’s drifting off. I’ve even seen damaged cleats and scratched gelcoat just because lines weren’t stowed properly.
Why line storage actually matters
A sloppy rope system slows you down when you’re tying off, creates trip hazards and looks messy. Wet lines thrown into a locker stay damp, start to stink and eventually rot. And when it all piles up, finding the right rope quickly isn’t as easy as it should be. Those few seconds make a difference when you’re trying to look in control while docking in front of a crowd.
Good storage saves time, prevents damage and makes everything smoother. It’s one of the easiest ways to make your boat look tidier and feel more organised.
We designed something because what was out there wasn’t good enough
I got tired of watching people deal with this the hard way. On superyachts, we always had proper systems. On smaller boats, nobody does. That’s why I designed the TBM Line Bag.
We spent months testing prototypes on different boats, tweaking the size, changing materials and making sure it could hold proper Aussie rope—not thin marina lines. I ended up flying to Yiwu, China, to work with the manufacturer directly so we could build something that hadn’t been done here before.
This wasn’t just about making another storage bag. It needed to be durable, water-resistant, fit standard rail sizes and stay put without sagging. And most importantly, it had to work on any boat without drilling holes or installing hardware.
Australia’s first adjustable rope storage solution
The TBM Line Bag hangs off your rail using Velcro, so you can install it in seconds and remove it just as easily. It holds dock lines, anchor lines, fenders, gloves—whatever you need quick access to. The marine-grade fabric resists salt, sun and mud, and won’t rot like mesh bags or cheap PVC.
It keeps lines dry, free of knots and ready to use as soon as you need them. No more digging in lockers or stepping around rope piles.
Designed by someone who’s been there
This wasn’t dreamed up in an office. I’ve been the crew member scrambling for the right rope while parking a 40-tonne yacht in tight quarters, and I’ve had to teach deckhands how to clear a line properly. I built this product because it’s something I wish every boat had. It’s simple, but it makes a difference.
If your dock lines currently live on the floor, in a bin or just float around with no real place, this is for you.
Check out the TBM Line Bag here: https://truebluemarine.com.au/product/tbm-line-bag/
Available now and shipping Australia-wide.
