Knots on board

What for

The single most used move there is: boat to pontoon, pontoon to boat, fenders, canopy. If you learn only one, learn this.

How to tie it

1. First a full round turn around the base of the cleat — that takes the load off the rest.
2. Then a figure of eight over both horns, two or three times.
3. Finish with a locking hitch: lay the last bight so the working end passes under itself.
4. The working end points away from the cleat, not towards the boat.

Remember: One locking hitch only, never two. Two jam so hard under load that you will not get them off when it matters.

What for

A loop that does not tighten. To drop over a bollard, as a rescue loop around a person, to bend a line on. Holds under load and comes undone afterwards.

How to tie it

1. Make a small loop in the standing part — the working end lies on top.
2. Pass the working end up through the loop from below.
3. Take it around behind the standing part.
4. Back down through the loop from above and pull tight.

Remember: The mnemonic: the rabbit comes out of the hole, round the tree, and back down the hole. Check at the end that the working end lies inside — on the outside it is a different, unsafe knot.

What for

Line to a bollard, ring or rail when there is a pull on it. The round turn takes the load, the half hitches only secure. Can even be tied under load.

How to tie it

1. Two full turns around the bollard — not one, two.
2. Working end over the standing part and up through: first half hitch.
3. The same again in the same direction: second half hitch.
4. Slide both hitches together until they sit against each other.

Remember: Both half hitches must run the same way. Opposed, they make a knot that walks along under movement.

What for

Stops a line running out through a block or clutch. Belongs at the end of every sheet and any line that can run away.

How to tie it

1. Lay the working end over the standing part.
2. Take it once around — a figure eight forms.
3. Pass the working end down through the first loop.
4. Pull tight — the knot lies flat and tidy.

Remember: Always prefer the figure eight to a simple overhand knot: it holds just as well but still comes undone after heavy loading.

What for

Fender to the rail, line to a post. Quick on, quick off — but only under steady pull from one direction.

How to tie it

1. Take the working end once around the tube or post and cross over the standing part.
2. Take a second turn in the same direction.
3. Tuck the working end under the second turn.
4. Pull both ends tight evenly.

Remember: The clove hitch can shake loose under varying pull or jerking. For anything lasting or critical: use a round turn and two half hitches instead.

What for

Joins two lines — even of different thickness. That is exactly what the reef knot cannot do.

How to tie it

1. Make a bight in the thicker line.
2. Pass the thinner line up through the bight.
3. Take it around both parts of the bight.
4. Tuck it back under itself and pull tight — both working ends lie on the same side.

Remember: If the working ends lie on opposite sides the knot is tied wrong and will slip. With very different diameters, take two turns with the thinner line.

What for

For tying up canopy ties, sails, bundles. For anything flat and of equal thickness.

How to tie it

1. Left over right, tuck once.
2. Then right over left, tuck again.
3. Pull tight — the knot lies symmetrical and flat.

Remember: Never to join two lines under load — it is not made for that and it slips. Use the sheet bend instead.

What for

Any hitch becomes a slipped hitch if you push through a bight instead of the single end. One pull and it is undone.

How to tie it

1. Tie the knot as usual.
2. On the final tuck, use a bight instead of the end.
3. Pull tight — a loop stays standing.
4. To release, simply pull the working end.

Remember: Handy when leaving: line around the pontoon bollard, tied slipped, and you can cast off from the boat without stepping ashore again.

What for

For making fast to something round and long: a log, a spar, a fender lengthways, a boat hook. Holds while there is a pull and comes off at once afterwards.

How to tie it

1. Take the working end around the object.
2. Pass it around the standing part.
3. Twist it three or four times around itself, following the lay of the rope.
4. Pull on the standing part — the knot draws tight.

Remember: Without a pull it does not hold. When towing or lifting, always add a half hitch further along.

What for

A fixed loop even stronger than the bowline and easier to check. For clipping karabiners, as a handhold in a line, for making fast.

How to tie it

1. Double the line into a bight.
2. Tie an ordinary figure eight with the doubled line.
3. Tighten carefully, laying all four strands parallel.

Remember: The advantage over the bowline: you can see at a glance whether it is right — the eight shape is unmistakable. The downside: harder to undo after heavy loading.