I need a non-slipping knot

Kermit

Kermit

.
Jul 31, 2010
5,722
AquaCat 12.5 17342 Wateree Lake, SC
Hey y'all,
I'm dropping my mast Wednesday and while it's down I want to add a line from each spreader to the shroud above it. I have some thin line that was once used as a topping lift for an H23. This should help keep ospreys off the spreaders. My question is what knot should I use to attach the rope to the shroud? I need it to remain tied without slipping due to gravity and wind.
Right now I'm using the main and spinnaker halyards for this purpose but want to skip the untying and retying steps once this is done. Thanks!
 
BlowMeAway

BlowMeAway

.
Nov 30, 2015
1,343
Hunter 1978 H30 Cherubini, Treman Marina, Ithaca, NY
Kermit, after you shared the undeniably disturbing images earlier this season from the osprey assault on your boat, I think every owner on this site felt bad for our favorite frog. We went fairly unscathed with bird droppings this year, up until 1 week before haul out. With fewer humans populating the marina, the seagulls and sparrows moved on board and left me a weekend full of deck power washing and scrubbing. I wish I had the foresight to photograph the bombardment, but alas I was in no mood for that. I can say that my mess was orders of magnitude less dense than yours, but them purple berry droppings were hideous...like a deck with a bad case of acne. We're on the hard now, so if your current plan with entanglement lines works, please share that with us.

Yeah, Mom's great...ribbit ribbit ribbit!
 
  • Like
Likes: kloudie1
31seahorse

31seahorse

.
Aug 2, 2005
1,155
Pearson 33-2 & Typhoon 18 Seneca Lake
Hello Kermit & BlowMeAway,
About a year ago I was gifted (by a Captain who was selling his Pearson 38) a set of those spikey bird deterrent gizmos that attach to the spreaders. I do not plan to use them. If either of you would be interested in using them I would be glad to "regift" them to you. PM me if you are interested.
 
capta

capta

.
Jun 4, 2009
5,072
Pearson 530 Admiralty Bay, Bequia SVG
I think I'd use a clove hitch with a half hitch on a few dabs of silicone goo on the wire.
 
  • Like
Likes: Kermit
Kermit

Kermit

.
Jul 31, 2010
5,722
AquaCat 12.5 17342 Wateree Lake, SC
Dang. Some great ideas here. Thanks to all of you. The clove hitch with half hitches and silicon sounded like the best idea until the shroud cleat was mentioned. I like them both a lot. Shroud cleats aren't cheap but I trust them more than my ability to tie other knots. I'll stop at West Marine on my way to the club and get a couple. I can always return them if @Crazy Dave Condon and I can get a good knot that won't slip without them.

Oh, did I mention that Dave is coming? I'm pretty excited about seeing him again. He's coming to change out my broken centerboard uphaul and my rudder up/downhaul. It's doubtful that we'll have time for sailing but dang I hope we can. At least take the scenic route back to the slip.

I hate purple bird crap, too, BlowMeAway. Those stains are the worst thing since mustard on a clean white shirt. Sorry to hear about that.

I purposefully omitted the picture of the osprey crap on my boat. I think I've put y'all through seeing it enough. But if you really must see it again let me know.

Thanks for offering the spikey things, 31seahorse. I probably could have used them on my masthead. I'm pulling the boat out Tuesday and wouldn't get them by then. I might take you up on that later if no one else wants them.

I do plan to take pictures and share the results.
Thanks again!
 
kito

kito

.
Sep 13, 2012
2,011
1979 Hunter Cherubini 30 Clemmons
Maybe do what some of the coastal outdoor café's use.......fishing line. Tie it tight and maybe add a wire tie under it to keep it from sliding down.
 
Kermit

Kermit

.
Jul 31, 2010
5,722
AquaCat 12.5 17342 Wateree Lake, SC
kito said:
Maybe do what some of the coastal outdoor café's use.......fishing line. Tie it tight and maybe add a wire tie under it to keep it from sliding down.
Click to expand
My first idea was fishing line. But then I figured it would break down quicker than the heavier topping lift line. It wouldn't be a problem if I stepped my mast regularly but I rarely drop it. Thanks!
 
D

DAVA390

.
Jul 13, 2010
1,100
Precision 23 Perry Hall,Baltimore County
What about one of the small clamps such as used to connect a boom pigtail to a backstay? Tie the line above it to not slide down?
 
T

Tejas

.
Dec 15, 2010
164
Beneteau First 36.7 Lake Travis
In August 2009 Practical Sailor published a four-page loaded line gripping knot test, and tested the rolling hitch, modified rolling hitch, sailor's hitch, icicle hitch and gripper hitch. Each of the knots' holding power was tested on a greased stainless stanchion. Briefly, the icicle hitch was rated best choice.
 
Last edited:
Kermit

Kermit

.
Jul 31, 2010
5,722
AquaCat 12.5 17342 Wateree Lake, SC
Tejas said:
In August 2009 Practical Sailor published a four-page loaded line gripping knot test, and tested the rolling hitch, modified rolling hitch, sailor's hitch, icicle hitch and gripper hitch. Each of the knots' holding power was test on a greased stainless stanchion. Briefly, the icicle hitch was rated best choice.
Click to expand
Thanks, Tejas. I'll give it a shot tomorrow.
Is Lake Travis still full? I doubt I'll ever get to go back. I loved being on it a few times.
 
Mark Maulden

Mark Maulden

.
Jan 25, 2011
2,439
S2 11.0A Anacortes, WA
Dont leave anything up there that can slice a sail..if you use a wire tie, file the cut surface off that is made with the cutter...my hands have a few scars from cut wire ties.
 
jssailem

jssailem

SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
Oct 22, 2014
24,522
CAL 35 Cruiser #21 moored EVERETT WA
Good advise Mark. The size of Kermit's fingers and the fact he only has 3, he can not afford to loose one. It is not like his tail that grows back...:biggrin:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Top Bottom