cable's-length

_Dolphin_, and getting nearly swamped as we breasted the sea, we made for the dhow, that now lay about half a cable's-length from our vessel, which had drifted a bit astern.

The Penang Pirate and, The Lost Pinnace

Came the roar of a second gun, and a round shot splashed the water less than half a cable's-length astern.

Captain Blood Rafael Sabatini 1912

Down in the bay all that could be seen of the great ship, standing now within a cable's-length of the fort, were her topmasts thrusting above

Captain Blood Rafael Sabatini 1912

Several hours later, both boats stood in for the San Mateo shore, and dropped anchor not more than a cable's-length away.

Chapter XVII 1902

A couple of later both boats stood in for the land, and dropped anchor not more than a cable's-length from the shore.

The Cruise of the "Dazzler" 1902

Very early in the morning there passed us, not a cable's-length away, but as unseen as the spirits of the dead, a steamer of the same line as ours.

Soldiers Three Rudyard Kipling 1900

Treading water a cable's-length away, he observed the ship intently.

The Gentleman A Romance of the Sea Alfred Ollivant 1900

The "United States" held her place at the head of the squadron; while behind, at the distance of half a cable's-length, came the "Macedonian."

The Naval History of the United States Volume 1 (of 2) Willis J. Abbot 1898

Several hours later, both boats stood in for the San Mateo shore, and dropped anchor not more than a cable's-length away.

The Cruise of the Dazzler Jack London 1896

They had not steamed another cable's-length when it became evident that

Under the Chilian Flag A Tale of War between Chili and Peru Harry Collingwood 1886