Tying a Knot

Which boating knot do you want to learn?

Tying a Knot

Bowline

The Bowline, or “the King of Knots” as it is also called, is one of the most common boating knots. If you are looking for a knot with a secure loop, the bowline is what you want. It is a strong and reliable knot as it doesn’t unravel easily. It is easy to untie even after being placed under high strain, compared to other knots which can become quite tight. The Bowline is often used when docking/mooring.

Knot Bowline Step 1
Knot Bowline Step 2
Knot Bowline Step 3
Knot Bowline Step 4

Clove Hitch

The Clove Hitch is a easy and strong knot that is often used when docking at a bollard, ring or tree. A tip is to pull the line two turns before tying the knot. This will decrease pressure on the knot slightly as it can otherwise become very tight when strained. Remember that this knot can become unravelled when under uneven load.

Knot Clove Hitch Step 1
Knot Clove Hitch Step 2
Knot Clove Hitch Step 3
Knot Clove Hitch Step 4
Knot Clove Hitch Step 5

Sheet Bend

The Sheet Bend is a knot where you tie two different lines together. This is especially useful when tying together two different sized lines. The Sheet bend is often used on sail boats to tie the sheet (line) to the sail clew. The Sheet Bend provides a more secure fastening compared to e.g. the Bowline when using most materials. It is also beneficial to use the Sheet Bend when fastening two lines where one of the lines has a fixed loop.

Knot Sheet Bend Step 1
Knot Sheet Bend Step 2
Knot Sheet Bend Step 3
Knot Sheet Bend Step 4

Reef Knot / Square Knot

The Reef Knot / Square Knot is a knot that should be used when fastening around something. Too often it is used to bind together two lines, which is something you should never do! The Reef Knot / Square Knot is not a good or safe solution for this. If you want to bind together two lines you should use the Sheet Bend knot.

Knot Reef Knot / Square Knot Step 1
Knot Reef Knot / Square Knot Step 2
Knot Reef Knot / Square Knot Step 3
Knot Reef Knot / Square Knot Step 4

Overhand Knot

The Overhand Knot is a very simple knot. It is very useful as a stopper knot, for example when a line shouldn’t run through a loop. When under high strain the knot can become very tight and difficult to undo.

Knot Overhand Knot Step 1
Knot Overhand Knot Step 2
Knot Overhand Knot step 3

Anchor Bend

The Anchor Bend is often used to fasten the achnor line to the anchor or to a ring.

Knot Anchor Bend Step 1
Knot Anchor Bend Step 2
Knot Anchor Bend Step 3
Knot Anchor Bend Step 4

Here you can find our anchors

Here you can find a list of even more boating knots.

Figure-eight Knot

The Figure-eight Knot is a very useful stopping knot that is often used by sailor to prohibit sheet (lines) from running through the loop. The knot is also called the Double Stopper or Savoy Knot. If you tie the knot with the rope folded you get the Double Figure-eight, which is often used in climbing.

Knot Figure-eight Knot Step 1
Knot Figure-eight Knot Step 2
Knot Figure-eight Knot Step 3
Knot Figure-eight Knot Step 4