How comfortable are you with knots? Do you use half hitches for everything, or can you tie a bolin (and just about anything else) in a flash, with your eyes closed?How comfortable are you with knots? Do you use half hitches for everything, or can you tie a bowline (and just about anything else) in a flash, with your eyes closed? Did you learn knots from a book or a class, or does it seem like you always knew your way around a line? If you have difficulty with knots, does it make you insecure about your seamanship, or is it a minor inconvenience? Tell your knottiest stories here, then vote in this week's Quick Quiz at the bottom of the home page. Did you learn knots from a book or a class, or does it seem like you always knew your way around a line? If you have difficulty with knots, does it make you insecure about your seamanship, or is it a minor inconvenience? Tell your knottiest stories here, then vote in this week's Quick Quiz at the bottom of the home page.
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You just need to know one knot
I tell new sailors that they need to know only one knot.. The Bolin.. after they get that one down, they can learn others.. My favorite knot is the Flying Bolin. I have learned knots by reading books, Boy Scouts and my Dad; He was in the Navy. Yes, I can tie a Bolin with my eyes closed.
I tell new sailors that they need to know only one knot.. The Bolin.. after they get that one down, they can learn others.. My favorite knot is the Flying Bolin. I have learned knots by reading books, Boy Scouts and my Dad; He was in the Navy. Yes, I can tie a Bolin with my eyes closed.
"If you don't know the knot, wrap a lot"
Three knots are all most sailors need to know: a bowline, a clove hitch, and how to tie half hitches in series. A clove hitch is an easy knot to learn, and once you've learned it, the best way to set fenders, 'cuz it can be tied quickly and also adjusted quickly and easily. Two half hitches is all you need to tie to a cleat...and a bowline does everything else.
Three knots are all most sailors need to know: a bowline, a clove hitch, and how to tie half hitches in series. A clove hitch is an easy knot to learn, and once you've learned it, the best way to set fenders, 'cuz it can be tied quickly and also adjusted quickly and easily. Two half hitches is all you need to tie to a cleat...and a bowline does everything else.
Peggy, Thanks for the proper spelling of bowline, although the last time I resonded to one of these threads, I was chagrinned and taken aback at the number of spelling errors I allowed to get past me. And this from a former English major, to boot. I agree with your choice of knots, although I have to relearn the clove hitch every season. Bill, O28 Aroundtuit, O22 Closure
Knotty problems
The bowline does most my general work. I tie 2 lines together by putting a bowline in each (looped together of course). Other knots used a lot are slippery square knots for sail ties, and 2 half hitches when I want to tie a line tightly around something. Of course, I'm cleating and uncleating lines all the time. Question for others, what is the best way to put a temporary loop in polyproplene rope. The rope is so slippery, I've had a bowline untie itself when there wasn't any tension on the line.
The bowline does most my general work. I tie 2 lines together by putting a bowline in each (looped together of course). Other knots used a lot are slippery square knots for sail ties, and 2 half hitches when I want to tie a line tightly around something. Of course, I'm cleating and uncleating lines all the time. Question for others, what is the best way to put a temporary loop in polyproplene rope. The rope is so slippery, I've had a bowline untie itself when there wasn't any tension on the line.
Ed...XPolyX?
That is just the reason that I don't use poly. Unless it has a definite purpose on my boat, then it doesn't belong there. My favorite knot is the bowline (my father taught me years ago - the rabbit goes...). My next favorite is the clove hitch - it's quick to set and never let's go.
That is just the reason that I don't use poly. Unless it has a definite purpose on my boat, then it doesn't belong there. My favorite knot is the bowline (my father taught me years ago - the rabbit goes...). My next favorite is the clove hitch - it's quick to set and never let's go.
Knotty Porblems
One possible solution to keep the bowline from untieing is to tie a double fishermans knot on the rope as it goes away from the know. This is used in mountaineering to keep those knots from untieing. Your rope may still be too slippery for even this. You can find some good knots in the mountaineering books.
One possible solution to keep the bowline from untieing is to tie a double fishermans knot on the rope as it goes away from the know. This is used in mountaineering to keep those knots from untieing. Your rope may still be too slippery for even this. You can find some good knots in the mountaineering books.
Temporary Loops
Poly lines can be a real pain when trying to keep a knot tied in them. The only poly line I use is a good ski line quality 5/16" for a light set anchor line often called a lunch hook. I like the poly line because it dries so fast. As a firefighter assigned to a rescue squad, I use knots quite frequently. If you want a good knot to keep a temporary loop the best one I have found is called a "rescue 8". Double the end of the line by forming a loop in the end and bringing the end of the line back along the rope about 2 feet. Now take your looped end and tie a figure 8 knot with the doubled line. You should end up with a single loop with a figure 8 knot tied in the doubled portion of the line. This knot will remain tied and will not jam, making it easy to untie when necessary. By the way, a figure 8 knot is a great knot to tie in the end of any sheet (rope) that is run through a cleat or fairlead to keep the line from being pulled out accidently. The knot it forms is larger than a simple overhand knot and it won't jam so tight that it cannot be untied.
Poly lines can be a real pain when trying to keep a knot tied in them. The only poly line I use is a good ski line quality 5/16" for a light set anchor line often called a lunch hook. I like the poly line because it dries so fast. As a firefighter assigned to a rescue squad, I use knots quite frequently. If you want a good knot to keep a temporary loop the best one I have found is called a "rescue 8". Double the end of the line by forming a loop in the end and bringing the end of the line back along the rope about 2 feet. Now take your looped end and tie a figure 8 knot with the doubled line. You should end up with a single loop with a figure 8 knot tied in the doubled portion of the line. This knot will remain tied and will not jam, making it easy to untie when necessary. By the way, a figure 8 knot is a great knot to tie in the end of any sheet (rope) that is run through a cleat or fairlead to keep the line from being pulled out accidently. The knot it forms is larger than a simple overhand knot and it won't jam so tight that it cannot be untied.
Bowline, of course. Plus...
The bowline is what I use the most and also what I teach others first. It's just one of the knots that has many uses. Along with that one, and half hitches, I've found two others this year that I just love to find uses for. The first is the zeppelin knot which I use many places that I would have used a sheet bend or a square knot before. Just a very cool knot. The other I am using is the Tarbuck knot. This one I'm using since my topping lift line was too short to go all the way throuhg my boom the way the boom was designed. Instead, I tied the Tarbuck knot to a small loop tied to the end of the boom (the loop is closed using the zeppelin knot!). Now, when I want the boom lower, I slide the Tarbuck knot down. When I want to raise the boom, I slide the Tarbuck higher. I was told by a friend to use a bowline earlier but that meant I had to retie it to raise or lower the boom. I like this one better.
The bowline is what I use the most and also what I teach others first. It's just one of the knots that has many uses. Along with that one, and half hitches, I've found two others this year that I just love to find uses for. The first is the zeppelin knot which I use many places that I would have used a sheet bend or a square knot before. Just a very cool knot. The other I am using is the Tarbuck knot. This one I'm using since my topping lift line was too short to go all the way throuhg my boom the way the boom was designed. Instead, I tied the Tarbuck knot to a small loop tied to the end of the boom (the loop is closed using the zeppelin knot!). Now, when I want the boom lower, I slide the Tarbuck knot down. When I want to raise the boom, I slide the Tarbuck higher. I was told by a friend to use a bowline earlier but that meant I had to retie it to raise or lower the boom. I like this one better.
The Knot Man
After watching the "Knot Man" at the Hunter Rendezvous, its a wonder that I can get my shoes tied!
After watching the "Knot Man" at the Hunter Rendezvous, its a wonder that I can get my shoes tied!
Tarbuck? Zeppelin?
Ok Joel I'll bite, what are these knots. I looked for them in Ashley's book of knots and were not found. Reference please. Or were these knots showed to you by the "Knot Man". I'm willing to try anything once!!! Jim S/V Java
Ok Joel I'll bite, what are these knots. I looked for them in Ashley's book of knots and were not found. Reference please. Or were these knots showed to you by the "Knot Man". I'm willing to try anything once!!! Jim S/V Java
Easiest Bowline
I use to have trouble getting the rabbit to go throuh the right side of the hole and had to re-tie the knot half the time until a friend should me how to tie the bowline in about 2 seconds. Make your loop and then tie a slip knot in the standing line. Stick the loose end of the line through the loop of the slip knot and pull the standing line and presto you have a bowline. This plus the clove hitch and the figure eight are the knots I usually use. Paul Palmer
I use to have trouble getting the rabbit to go throuh the right side of the hole and had to re-tie the knot half the time until a friend should me how to tie the bowline in about 2 seconds. Make your loop and then tie a slip knot in the standing line. Stick the loose end of the line through the loop of the slip knot and pull the standing line and presto you have a bowline. This plus the clove hitch and the figure eight are the knots I usually use. Paul Palmer
Very special knot
After 4 or 5 guys wrestle with untying a knot in the dark, they summoned Capt. Bob. With only the moonlight shining on the frayed, frozen, mildew covered and knotted rope, Bob replied-"Oh everyone knows that knot and its very simple to release." Slowly he pulled a shiny object fromhis pocket, set down his beverage (hic). As he casually stated "That's a drunken sailor knot". He sliced the line with his knife, said "there" and promptly picked up his beverage and stepped to the next vessel.
After 4 or 5 guys wrestle with untying a knot in the dark, they summoned Capt. Bob. With only the moonlight shining on the frayed, frozen, mildew covered and knotted rope, Bob replied-"Oh everyone knows that knot and its very simple to release." Slowly he pulled a shiny object fromhis pocket, set down his beverage (hic). As he casually stated "That's a drunken sailor knot". He sliced the line with his knife, said "there" and promptly picked up his beverage and stepped to the next vessel.
Tarbuck and Zeppelin
I wasn't able to make it to the rendezvous so didn't get to meet the Knot Man. I first read about the Tarbuck Knot in the "Morrow Guide to Knots". It's a loop knot used in climbing and mountaineering and intended primarily for nylon ropes. Usually attached to a karabiner on the waist loop. Named by its inventor, the well known British climber. I figured that if it's good enough to hold up a person climbing a mountain then it could probably hold my boom up just fine. You can see a picture of it here..... http://members.fortunecity.co.uk/paulakala/tarbuck.jpg I first heard about the Zeppelin Bend from Brion Toss. It is sometimes called the Rosenthal Bend since Commander Rosenthal invented it to hold down zeppelins. A good description of it canbe found here..... http://students.washington.edu/sailing/library/telltale/sum2000/zeppelinbend.html
I wasn't able to make it to the rendezvous so didn't get to meet the Knot Man. I first read about the Tarbuck Knot in the "Morrow Guide to Knots". It's a loop knot used in climbing and mountaineering and intended primarily for nylon ropes. Usually attached to a karabiner on the waist loop. Named by its inventor, the well known British climber. I figured that if it's good enough to hold up a person climbing a mountain then it could probably hold my boom up just fine. You can see a picture of it here..... http://members.fortunecity.co.uk/paulakala/tarbuck.jpg I first heard about the Zeppelin Bend from Brion Toss. It is sometimes called the Rosenthal Bend since Commander Rosenthal invented it to hold down zeppelins. A good description of it canbe found here..... http://students.washington.edu/sailing/library/telltale/sum2000/zeppelinbend.html
More Knots
My favorite is the one-handed bowline, a favorite of mountain climbers, very useful when you only have one hand to work with and need the other to hold on to something else such as a life-line. The double bowline is handy if you need to get up the mast, also to haul someone out of the water with the boom. The figure eight is an essential stopper, although there are others. I have watched many fishermen cleating a line and wondered how they still had a boat. Don't depend on the clove hitch to tie something off if the load may release cause it will loosen and release. The reef knot, the fishermans knot, etc.. The monkeys fist is worth a lot of time cause then with a weight such as a stone inside it is a great throwing line and it will delight children and young sailors. Have fun one day and just search Knots on the web, bet you find lots of url's and lots of knots. A caution to the gentleman who uses two bowline knots to link ropes, remember that if your rope was 1000 lbs tensile before, it is 500 or less with those knots. Need I say more? I am a firm believer that the more you know the better able you will be when the S___ hits the fan and if you go sailing sooner or later it will. I love it.
My favorite is the one-handed bowline, a favorite of mountain climbers, very useful when you only have one hand to work with and need the other to hold on to something else such as a life-line. The double bowline is handy if you need to get up the mast, also to haul someone out of the water with the boom. The figure eight is an essential stopper, although there are others. I have watched many fishermen cleating a line and wondered how they still had a boat. Don't depend on the clove hitch to tie something off if the load may release cause it will loosen and release. The reef knot, the fishermans knot, etc.. The monkeys fist is worth a lot of time cause then with a weight such as a stone inside it is a great throwing line and it will delight children and young sailors. Have fun one day and just search Knots on the web, bet you find lots of url's and lots of knots. A caution to the gentleman who uses two bowline knots to link ropes, remember that if your rope was 1000 lbs tensile before, it is 500 or less with those knots. Need I say more? I am a firm believer that the more you know the better able you will be when the S___ hits the fan and if you go sailing sooner or later it will. I love it.
Zeppelin Knot - A Winner
I have won a few bets with the Zeppelin knot! I have never seen it in a book. As I understand it was used by the ground crew when handling lines dropped from a Zeppelin. Does any know any more?
I have won a few bets with the Zeppelin knot! I have never seen it in a book. As I understand it was used by the ground crew when handling lines dropped from a Zeppelin. Does any know any more?
Blindfolded and one-handed
Not only can I tie a bowline with my eyes closed but also one-handed. I learned it in Boy Scouts. We were told that if we fell off a cliff and broke one arm someone could drop a line for us, we could tie a bowline around our waist and be lifted to safety. I don't anticipate falling off any cliffs but it's still a neat trick.
Not only can I tie a bowline with my eyes closed but also one-handed. I learned it in Boy Scouts. We were told that if we fell off a cliff and broke one arm someone could drop a line for us, we could tie a bowline around our waist and be lifted to safety. I don't anticipate falling off any cliffs but it's still a neat trick.
Two knots are all you need
The best two knots to know are the bowline and the buntline hitch. The latter is great to secure inflatables to the deck.
The best two knots to know are the bowline and the buntline hitch. The latter is great to secure inflatables to the deck.
Different knots for different purposes
As a Boy Scout (Eagle Scout) from many decades ago- knots were one of the most useful everyday skills. I could probably tie all your knots with eyes wide shut. It is valuable to know which is best for what purpose. Some are fast, solid non-slip while others are good but easier(
As a Boy Scout (Eagle Scout) from many decades ago- knots were one of the most useful everyday skills. I could probably tie all your knots with eyes wide shut. It is valuable to know which is best for what purpose. Some are fast, solid non-slip while others are good but easier(
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