If you’re a boat owner, you must learn boating knots when out in the waters. Whether securing items or saving a life, different types of boat knots serve various purposes. Discover tips on how to tie a boat knot that may prove useful on your water adventures.
1. Bowline Knot
The bowline knot is a simple and secure knot widely used for various purposes, such as securing a line to a cleat or ring or creating a rescue line during emergencies.
Create this strong, nonslip knot by making a loop near the end of the line and threading the end through the loop. Wrap it around the working line and pass it back down through the original loop before pulling tight.
2. Clove Hitch
Use a clove hitch to tie your boat without a cleat or dock. This simple knot is suitable for tying boats on fixed objects like posts, trees or other structures. You can also use it to attach fender lines to boat rails or fasten lines to rings.
When creating a clove hitch around an object, wrap the rope around it and form a loop. Cross the line for a second loop and overlap the working end over the other before slipping it over the object. Pull it tight to secure the knot.
3. Cleat Hitch
Use a cleat hitch to temporarily and securely attach your boat. This quick and basic boat knot is ideal for mooring a boat to a dock cleat or when filling up with gas.
To make a cleat hitch, start by wrapping the line around the cleat horns and pulling a line diagonal over the top to create a figure-eight pattern. Loop it around the other side of the horn and rotate the line to make a loop. Then, flip it upside down and wrap the line around the cleat. Tighten and adjust the line accordingly.
4. Anchor Hitch
An anchor hitch is a knot that fastens a line to an anchor. Learn this knot to secure your anchor to your boat so you stay where you want to be, even in windy conditions.
Start practicing an anchor hitch by inserting the end of the line through the anchor’s eye and creating two turns around the eye. Pass the free end through the two turns and tighten it up. Form a half hitch around the standing line and make it tighter before sizing the free end.
Get Your Boating and Docking Accessories From the Experts
Your boating knot skills can go a long way, especially when tying gear to your boat or rafting up with other vessels. Get the accessories or docking essentials from EZ Docks and make the most of your trip.