Zeppelin bend - dissimilar sized ropes?

[Lionelsole]

I have to say that this is a new knot to me but I have been experimenting and it seems to ideal for joining two similar sized ropes - quick, simple, secure and non-jamming.
With other, older, knots e.g. sheet bend, carrick bend, there are variants where a second turn is made in the smaller rope. Does this work with the Zeppelin bend? I can't think that it wouldn't but would hate to discover it didn't when using it on a long shore mooring.

[StuM]

Welcome to the Zeppelin Appreciation Club!

The Zep works well as-is in dissimilar sized ropes as well.

You can create a "double tucked zeppelin bend" by doing a second tuck with both ends. I've heard of it being use to tie fishing lines, but I've never needed it. ( My main outhaul consists of a couple of loops of single braid dyneema tied with an ordinary zeppelin and it has shown no sign of slippage to date).


If the two ropes are very dissimilar, you can also do what is sometimes called a "Zeppelin 1.5".. i.e. double tuck the thinner rope only.

[StuM]

For a more extreme example of the 1.5, see
The asymmetric Zeppelin Bend

[Seaworthy Lass]

Hi Lionelsole

I am another member of the Zeppelin Fan Club.
Stu introduced me to this bend a couple of years ago and I have been singing its praises since.

It is a brilliant bend and right up there with the Bowline as the most essential knot to know on board. If you need to tie two lines together there is nothing else that combine ALL the characteristics of being super strong, quick to tie, doesn't shake loose if load is variable, can be easily untied after even high load is applied, and needs no dressing.

This thread has lots of info about it, including methods of tying (ignore the bit in the middle about the inferior contender, the Alpine Butterfly Bend):

http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...ad-128727.html

These are the posts illustrating the variation when the lines being joined are of very different diameter. You need to go to the original posts to see the photos, as they haven't copied over (click on the blue arrow to the right of my username and it will take you there automatically):

Originally Posted by Seaworthy Lass

ZEPP VARIATION FOR LINES OF DIFFERENT DIAMETER

This is oh so easy, it doesn’t really need photos, but I will attach a few, so that it is crystal clear.

All you do is proceed as normal with the Zepp right up until the stage you give the knot a tug to dress it. Then simply tuck the thinner line into the loop again. Couldn’t be simpler .

Various reports from the International Guild of Knot Tyers forum suggest the ordinary version is OK if the lines are not too dissimilar. Numerous comments like this can be found about the ordinary version:
“It does far better with dissimilar ropes than the Sheet Bend, for example, which used to be often touted for being used with dissimilar ropes.”

Apparently the extra tuck works well even with vastly different diameters, even though it produces a very ugly looking knot.

As far as I can find, all this was first discussed in 2010.
No name has been decided on for this knot.
Lots of simple variations of the Zepp are possible, depending on whether you give one tail an extra tuck or both, or whether you double up the initial loop (like it is in a Double Bowline) for one line or both, or combinations of the above. Some people consider the word “Double” should be used for a second tuck of both lines, other consider it more appropriate for a double initial loop for both lines.

Of all the names thrown around, I think 'Asymmetric Zeppelin' is the easiest. Call it what you will, but use it with confidence .

Step 1:
Tie the Zeppelin normally up to the final tug:

[SaltyMonkey]

NO! Don't listen to these folks!

WE, at the Alpine Butterfly Association (ABA) protest these false claims of benefit by demons. Do your research and you will see this is nothing but a media propaganda blitz, similar to CNN or FOX NEWS!!!

Come over to the ABA and you will see this is true, and an easier way to join lines quickly in the dark or with little sleep.

DO NOT BE FOOLED BY THIS EMOTIONAL RANTS! THEY WILL TAKE YOUR KNOT SOUL!!

[Seaworthy Lass]

Originally Posted by SaltyMonkey

NO! Don't listen to these folks!

WE, at the Alpine Butterfly Association (ABA) protest these false claims of benefit by demons. Do your research and you will see this is nothing but a media propaganda blitz, similar to CNN or FOX NEWS!!!

Come over to the ABA and you will see this is true, and an easier way to join lines quickly in the dark or with little sleep.

DO NOT BE FOOLED BY THIS EMOTIONAL RANTS! THEY WILL TAKE YOUR KNOT SOUL!!

The Alpine Butterfly Bend has more options when it comes to getting dressed than most lassies have shoes on board. Like any helpless infant, I admit it is very sweet when properly attired (although I still haven't quite worked out which one of its 6 outfits is actually best), but sadly it's unable to dress on its own and can annoyingly clamour for attention just when you are too busy to devote the time.

Zep is fuss free, and besides, the adult parties the Zeppelin Fan Club throws are MUCH more fun than ABA's meetings .

The Knot Mistress

[SaltyMonkey]

The Knot Mistress is coy with her serpents tongue, first lauding then morphing into knots of her own making.

I can only trust you, the listener with your intelligence and good looks, will take heed and try the Alpine Butterfly for your own. You too will be convinced the informercials you see here posted and highly acclaimed by the Zeppelin crowd are suspect.

And if that doesnt convince, look closely to the name "Zeppelin Knot" which is really an anagram for "Kennel Zit Pop". Do you really want to pop the zits on old dogs such as the Zeppelin?

[Privleoplag]

ABA all the way!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n2aRj8dQPRQ

very similar to how I do it.. but I take number one over all 3, and then number 2 over, under and through all.

[DocRox]

I have to endorse the ZEP knot because it has my favorite number in it 69...

[SaltyMonkey]

Originally Posted by Privleoplag

ABA all the way!

very similar to how I do it.. but I take number one over all 3, and then number 2 over, under and through all.

I use the same technique as u. I wish he had shown how to do a bend with it.

[twohapence]

Originally Posted by Lionelsole

I have to say that this is a new knot to me but I have been experimenting and it seems to ideal for joining two similar sized ropes - quick, simple, secure and non-jamming.
With other, older, knots e.g. sheet bend, carrick bend, there are variants where a second turn is made in the smaller rope. Does this work with the Zeppelin bend? I can't think that it wouldn't but would hate to discover it didn't when using it on a long shore mooring.

Why not use a sheet bend (or double sheet bend)? Quick, easy, and secure. I'm not defending the sheet bend - just curious as to why I might want to learn to tie the zepplin other than as a fun thing to do.

[SaltyMonkey]

The sheet bend is not easy to either make or dress, and the strength is not at all great in testing.

[twohapence]

Originally Posted by SaltyMonkey

The sheet bend is not easy to either make or dress, and the strength is not at all great in testing.

Not sure what you mean by dress but I find it one of the easiest knots to make.

[Seaworthy Lass]

Originally Posted by DocRox

I have to endorse the ZEP knot because it has my favorite number in it 69...

Says it all doesn't it!
Videos of fancy handwork are simply no match

[twohapence]

Originally Posted by Seaworthy Lass

Says it all doesn't it!
Videos of fancy handwork are simply no match

Could it possibly be that you need an extended run ashore......??