How to Tie a Bowline Knot for Boating

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By Daniel Ray
eHow Contributing Writer

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The bowline is a useful knot for boaters and just about everyone else. The bowline is easy to tie and untie. Tied properly, this knot will not slip. Boaters can make a loop using the bowline that will fit over a piling when they moor their boat. At first glance, tying a bowline may seem complicated, but study the illustrations and you will find that this knot can be tied quickly and easily.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Rope

Step 1

Illustration 1

Grab the standing line of the rope in one hand and the tag end in the other hand. Make a loop about 8 inches in diameter and tie an overhand knot where the tag end meets the standing line. Pull the tag end to form a loop with the tag end running through. See Illustration 1.
Step 2

Illustration 2

Run the tag end under the standing line and up through the loop that was formed in the previous step. Pay attention to Illustration 2.
Step 3

Illustration 3

Pull on the tag end and the standing line to tighten. Loosen the bowline knot by pushing the tag end back through the loop. See Illustration 3.