Four Knots to Know for Your Boat

I learned basic knots about a million years ago in Boy Scouts. I had to learn them - I mean, they really had to force me to do it. They also made me sing camp songs. I had no interest in knots at the time. When I had to stake out my tent or hang my food in trees to keep it away from bears, I stubbornly used my overhand knot. Years later, when I took up sailing, I quickly realized that my old standby just wouldn't cut it anymore. Thankfully, a few essentials came back to me quickly. These four knots will satisfactorily address nearly any situation you may have on board your boat. Used correctly, they won't slip, bind or become permanently attached to your vessel. Are there better knots out there for specific situations? Sure, but these four will get you through without earning a Ph.D. in knot-work. These and an overhand knot, of course. You can't give up on the classics.

Bowline

The bowline is a classic knot, and one of the first learned by most new sailors. Whether this is due to its rock-solid trustworthiness or because it's often taught using a story involving cute, fuzzy rabbits is unknown. Regardless, it's a great knot for creating a secure loop in your rope, such as when tying off to a ring, or creating a step-loop.

Tying the Bowline:

Make a loop in the end of the rope. The loop won't slip or significantly shrink when you tighten this knot, so the loop wants to be about the right size for its goal use from the start. The loose end should pass in front of the loop.

Pull the end of the rope up through the loop, behind the long end of the rope and back through the loop. (This is the bunny coming out of his hole, running around the tree and jumping back into his hole.)

Pull the knot tight and you have a bowline.

If you want a little extra security in this already bomb-proof knot, tie the loose end either in a figure eight (below) or just secure it to the rest of the rope with a few overhand knots. (See, they work!)

Cleat Hitch