Rustler’s Hitch

[Kermit]

Someone posted this video somewhere on the forum but I can’t find that post to thank him.

After watching it I saw a link to the Rustler’s Hitch. Dang it works good! I figured I’d share it with y’all. I showed it to my 12- year old grandson yesterday. He mastered it a whole lot quicker than I did.

Try it. I’m pretty sure you’ll like it.
P.S. Click the link even if it says it won’t play. It opens a new window for me.

 

[Charlie Jones s/v Tehani]

says can't be shown due to privacy settings

 

[pateco]

That's a good one. Gonna try it on my Fenders

 

[Kermit]

says can't be shown due to privacy settings

Click the blue button where it says watch on Vimeo. I get the same message on my phone but it opens a new window and plays fine.

 

[Boomer54]

That is pretty cool. I tie a short line around my furled jib which I think is my own invention but I might try this knot instead. I use lo “lock” my jib when I am gone.

 

[rgranger]

Nice! Thanks Kermie

Kermie tying the knot

 

[Ken Cross]

I can use that. Thanks for sharing.

Ken

 

[JamesG161]

Humm? It looks like this "tumble hitch" which is a variation of the "highwayman's hitch"

https://www.animatedknots.com/tumble/index.php

I hope the grandkids to try to run by and pull it.
Jim...

 

[jssailem]

Your welcome Kermie. The Stern Bridle docking technique is one I’ve used for a couple of years.
The Stress Free Sailing blogs are clever and entertaining.
Glad you enjoyed them.

 

[Kermit]

Your welcome Kermie. The Stern Bridle docking technique is one I’ve used for a couple of years.
The Stress Free Sailing blogs are clever and entertaining.
Glad you enjoyed them.

I’m glad to finally know it was you. I’m gonna figure out how I can use it with my boat. And even our family’s pontoon boat.

 

[Kermit]

Humm? It looks like this "tumble hitch" which is a variation of the "highwayman's hitch"

https://www.animatedknots.com/tumble/index.php

I hope the grandkids to try to run by and pull it.
Jim...

Yep. They look the same to me.

 

[jssailem]

It is way cool make solo docking a walk in the park. Be glad to offer any answers to questions.

 

[Kermit]

It is way cool make solo docking a walk in the park. Be glad to offer any answers to questions.

I back into my slip. So the bow becomes the stern. The slip is so short the bow is way beyond the end of the finger. I’m not sure how to make it work.

 

[jssailem]

The system is based on a right angle triangle. The boat will stop going into the slip where the base of the triangle attaches to the dock. I think I would try to toss the line to the dock from the cockpit to the cleat near the end of the dock. The base would be from the dock to the cleat or winch on the cabin. The line from dock to the stern cleat would be the hypotenuse. Turning the rudder should move the stern to and away from the dock as the boat idles in reverse.

That’s the best guess. I’d have to see what develops and adapt as need.

 

[JamesG161]

It is way cool make solo docking a walk in the park

This is the Best for solo docking and going to your favorite Marina Restaurant [bar].
Easy on and easy off.

https://www.animatedknots.com/pile/index.php

I do this and people say... duh... how did you do that?
Jim...

 

[jssailem]

Great for hitching your horse to a fence post. Also ready for that quick getaway...

 

[JRacer]

Great, thanks.

 

[Bob S]

Rustler’s Hitch

Great for the dinghy dock.

The Stern Bridle docking technique is one I’ve used for a couple of years.

I saw this a few years back and agree but I haven't tried it yet. I have an old jib sheet I wanted to try it with but like Kermit my finger pier doesn't give me much room for error. Also, in that video the cleats must be European as they are awful tall. Ours are shorter and I'm a little concerned it could slip off. I'm also usually being blown off the pier with the prevailing winds.

 

[jssailem]

@Bob S being blown off may make it even easier. Power in close enough to toss the line over a cleat. Pull the cleat in to the cockpit either on a winch or cockpit cleat. As you snug up the line the boat nestles against the fender and the dock.

 

[Bob S]

John,
I will try it when my neighbor is not there. We have at best 6' between us and there is maybe 4' before I hit the dock with the bow. Makes me nervous. I need to practice somewhere a little more forgiving to build the confidence.