How to Tie a Boat Line
Knots date back to to long before recorded history, and nautical activities date back to ancient times as well. Without lines and knots, a boat would drift at the mercy of the waters unless pulled ashore whenever not in use. Knots and lines provide the means to anchor a boat in the water or secure it to the dock. In both cases, the lines and knots prevent the boat from drifting aimlessly like driftwood.
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Instructions
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Tying a Line to an Anchor with the Anchor Bend
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1
Secure one end of the rope to the boat.
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2
Wrap the other end through the eye or shackle of the anchor twice, leaving the loops loose.
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3
Wrap the end behind the main line and through the loops, then pull the rope tight.
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4
Wrap the end around the main line once more, then pass the end underneath the wrap you just made.
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5
Pull the rope tight.
Tying the Line to a Boat Cleat or Dock Cleat with a Cleat Hitch
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6
Wrap the end of the rope around the cleat once.
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7
Cross the rope over the top of the cleat.
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8
Wrap the end of the rope under and around the end of the opposite cleat.
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9
Wrap the end under and around the other cleat arm, leaving a little slack in the rope.
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10
Push the end through the slack, and pull tight.
Tying the Line to a Dock Post with a Rolling Hitch
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11
Wrap the end of the line around the post, passing under the main line.
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12
Wrap around the post once more in the same direction, passing under the main line once again.
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13
Wrap around the post once more, passing above the main line this time.
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14
Tuck the end of the rope through the diagonal crossing and above the main line.
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15
Pull the knot tight.
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1
Tips & Warnings
You can use a clove hitch to secure a boat for brief periods if the water is calm. Use the rolling hitch for a more secure knot.
The rolling hitch knot is fairly secure, but do not use it for climbing.
References
Resources
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