How to Tie a Clove Hitch Knot for Boating

The clove hitch is a useful knot for boaters. Tied properly, this knot will hold itself up on a square or round piling or post. This knot can also be tied in the middle of a rope by just making a couple of half hitches. Boaters can use this knot to temporarily moor their boat when there are no cleats around to tie off on. This knot can loosen on its own, so pay attention when using a clove hitch.

Things You'll Need

• Rope
• Post or piling

Instructions

1. 

   Form a loop around the post. Make sure the tag end runs under the standing line. See Illustration 1.

2. 

   Form a second loop above the first loop, paying attention that the tag end runs under the standing line. See Illustration 2.

3. 

   Grab the standing line in one hand and the tag end in the other hand. Pull both lines in the opposite direction and the hitch will tighten against the post. See Illustration 3