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Tony B · 28-05-2012, 15:06

Eye Splices and eye splices around a thimble are necessary for dock lines and anchor lines. Not only stronger than most other knots but also much neater looking. With most knots, the knot area loses almost half its strength. With an eye splice, the rope retains approximately 90% of its breaking strength.

**foolishsailor** · 28-05-2012, 15:14

All the above but cant belive anyone doesnt ise the Prusik Knot? So easy to tie, so great for a number of emergency and everday situations...

Need to secure a snatch block to a stantion or rail?

Need to secure and awning tie point to a shroud?

Tie off the bottom of your courtesy flag hoisting line?

If you need an attachment point for anything like a shackle to an antenna there is nothing better. Tie a loop of line, make the knot and you are left witha loop on whatever that Will. Not. Slip. That you can attach anything to.

I used it extensively for my incredibly unsuccesful attempt at using my staysail, hospital tubing, innumerable snatch blocks, and ingenuity to develop a wind based autopilot based ona book i read that i am sure you are all well familiar with. Needless to say it didnt work as well as hoped and thankfully there were enough variables to blame besides my ingenuity that i was able to walk away unscathed...

...but the prusik knot that was recommened came through unscathed and is a core part of my limited knot repertoire

Here is the knot..functional easy, uncommon! Enjoy!

http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Prusik

**David M** · 28-05-2012, 15:22

Most often the cleat hitch, bowline, two half-hitches, rolling hitch and square knot. Oh yeah, and the shoe lace knot (bow knot).

**Dockhead** · 28-05-2012, 15:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by David M

Most often the cleat hitch, bowline, two half-hitches, rolling hitch and square knot. Oh yeah, and the shoe lace knot (bow knot).

The shoelace knot is just a slipped reef knot

The only thing is that many people tie it as a granny knot. How do you tie yours?

**SkiprJohn** · 28-05-2012, 15:44

I kind of like using this to explain the tying of some knots and hitches. If you haven't seen it yet it is really helpful.

Boating Knots | How to Tie Boating Knots | Animated Boating Knots

jmcdboater · 28-05-2012, 15:50

Clove hitch, bowline, sheet end, figure 8, Prusik knot, rolling hitch, cleat hitch, square knot, reef knot, rolling hitch, granny knot.... Aaaarrrrrggggghhhhhh...

Let's just TIE ONE ON!!!

**HopCar** · 28-05-2012, 15:54

This is a great website to learn how to tie knots:
Animated Knots by Grog | How to Tie Knots | Fishing, Boating, Climbing, Scouting, Search and Rescue, Household, Decorative, Rope Care,

**HopCar** · 28-05-2012, 15:56

JohnL beat me to it!

Rakuflames · 28-05-2012, 16:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by rhr1956

About the only knot I ever tie is the bowline. Although there are quite a few more I just don't know enough about them to use them. What knots do you tie..and why?

You can get an animated app that will show you how to make all the basic knots, but the one I use that many people don't know is a half cleat hitch. After using the self tailing winch for the headsail, I take the line to a cleat, wrap it around once and only put one loop over it, not a figure eight. It's just a backup for the self tailer, and it releases very quickly.

The important thing about knots is that they have to be tied easily -- and undone quickly. Being able to undo them quickly is sometimes the most important trait in a good knot.

Take a hunk of line, and get the app, and practice them while you watch a movie or something. When you have a bunch of knots under your belt you'll find that some do better than others.

I use a rolling hitch a lot when tying up to a dock, but it's a tricky knot. There has to be tension on both ends or it will slip. Another good thing if you use a rolling hitch is to secure it with two half hitches, also easy to undo.

**zeehag** · 28-05-2012, 16:38

granny, square, bowknot......half hitches with a loop without a loop and with or without abar.....or cleat......bowline, figure 8s n all my halyard and sheet ends, mebbe some others if my hands can do them....slipknot only on my fishing line to set the fishie..LOL

**Ex-Calif** · 28-05-2012, 17:47

I use about 8-10 different knots.

(you all failed to read the title of the thread - LOL)

**David M** · 28-05-2012, 17:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ex-Calif

I use about 8-10 different knots.

(you all failed to read the title of the thread - LOL)

I did list the knots I use regularly.

**zeehag** · 28-05-2012, 17:59

i listed mine-- but y'all can count em.....

Rakuflames · 28-05-2012, 18:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ex-Calif

I use about 8-10 different knots.

(you all failed to read the title of the thread - LOL)

I didn't fail to read it. I just chose to answer in a way I hoped would be useful.

S/V Alchemy · 28-05-2012, 18:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by HopCar

This is a great website to learn how to tie knots:
Animated Knots by Grog | How to Tie Knots | Fishing, Boating, Climbing, Scouting, Search and Rescue, Household, Decorative, Rope Care,

Still about the best site, however.

I use Larkshead on the jib sometimes, and I learned something called the Zeppelin Knot for my hat string.

Otherwise, I use the usual bowline, anchor bend, square, rolling hitch and the "Oysterman's Knot", which is a nicer variation on the figure 8 stopper knot.

I really should master the Carrick.