How to: Knots Used on a Sailboat
Lets face it, not all of us are boy scouts. And not all of us who were boy scouts actually remember how to tie all of the different kinds of knots.
So, if you have stumbled upon this page and you have some free time, you may learn how to tie a bunch of random knots today. You could be “that guy.” All of the knots are more than helpful to a sailor; they are necessary.
Knots are used in an almost infinite variety of ways by a sailor. You may need to tie two lines together, tie up to a post or cleat, or secure the entire boat.
While there are many more, here is a list of the most commonly used knots. The accompanying links will also take you to an instructional video on how to tie the knot. I don’t know how else you would learn how to tie a knot besides visually.
Neat Knot
COMMONLY USED KNOTS:
Square knot – this knot is used to tie two different lines together. Video
Sheet bend – this knot is also used to tie two different lines together, but is better than a square knot for lines that are different sizes. Video
Bowline- this knot is used to tie a line to a post. Video. It can also be used to tie a line around a person’s waist. Video
Clove hitch – this knot is also used to tie a line to a post. Video
Round turn and two half hitches – this knot is used to tie a line to a pole. Video
Figure eight – this is used as a stopper knot. Video
Cleat hitch – this knot is used to secure a line to a deck cleat. Video
The best thing to do is to memorize these knots, but the truth is that it will take a little bit of time. Oh life. You may want to have a guide on your boat just in case you forget something. Now I am not talking about a little Ecuadorian guy with a machete named Guito because that doesn’t make any sense. I am talking about a guide book of all the different kinds of sailing knots. Here is a link to thumb through one of the better knot books. Of course there are many others and it’s a pretty straight-forward topic so you can’t really go wrong with any of them.
Have fun and if you have another day of being “that guy”, I have heard some good things about basket weaving.
