Secure Your Boat: Tying The Right Knots At Docks

Knowing how to tie a boat securely to a dock is essential for safety and preventing damage. There are several types of knots that can be used to tie a boat to a dock, each with its advantages and specific use cases. This article will provide an overview of some of the most common and useful knots for this purpose, including the cleat hitch, bowline, clove hitch, and more. By learning these knots and understanding the importance of proper boat tying, you can ensure worry-free outings and preserve your investment.

The bowline knot

To tie a bowline knot, start by forming a small loop at the end of your rope, leaving enough rope for the desired loop size. Then, take the end of the rope and pass it through the loop as if you were making an overhand knot. Next, bring the rope around the standing end and then back through the small loop.

When tying a boat to a dock, it is important to remember to approach the dock slowly and align your vessel with the dock space. Once you've attached the fenders to the boat's sides to prevent damage during docking, you can secure a bowline knot to the dock cleat near the bow. It is important to ensure that the lines are taut but not overly tight, allowing for tidal fluctuations.

The cleat hitch knot

To tie the cleat hitch knot, follow these steps:

• Take a turn around the base of the cleat, also known as the "horns".
• Bring the line over the top of the cleat.
• Wrap the line under the arm of the cleat, opposite to the first turn.
• Bring the line back over the top of the cleat.
• Wrap the line under the first arm for a second time and then back over the top of the cleat. At this point, you should have created a figure-eight pattern over and around the cleat.
• Form an underhand loop and slip it over the arm of the cleat. This will pin the free end of the rope under the last wrap.
• Pull the free end tight to secure the cleat hitch.

It is important to note that the cleat hitch is started with a dead turn and not a round turn. This is because a round turn can cause severe fraying as the boat pulls against the line.

The clove hitch

To tie a clove hitch, follow these steps:

• Wrap the free end of the rope around an object or piling.
• Cross the rope over itself, wrapping around the object or piling a second time.
• Thread the working end of the rope under itself (under the last wrap).
• Pull the end tight to execute a successful clove hitch.

You can make a clove hitch more secure by adding a couple of half-hitches around the standing part with the tail. It's also possible to tie a clove hitch with just one hand, although this requires a fair amount of dexterity.

Practical alternatives to the clove hitch for mooring purposes include the bowline hitch, cleat hitch, rolling hitch, and a round turn with two half hitches.

The figure-eight knot

To tie a figure-eight knot, start by passing the line through an eyelet, hook, or lure. Then, pass the tag end around the standing line to form a loop, followed by another pass of the tag end around the front of the standing line. Finally, run the tag end back through the first loop and tighten the knot. The finished product should resemble a figure eight.

When dealing with rope onboard, the process is slightly different. Start by making a single loop in the working end (the end you’re tying). Pass this end over the standing end, then make a second loop with the working end crossing over the top of the standing end. Lastly, push the working end through the first loop and pull at both ends to tighten.

The halyard hitch

To tie the halyard hitch, follow these steps:

• Pass the end of a rope through the shackle and make a turn around the standing line.
• Make a second turn around the standing line below the first turn.
• Bring the end of the rope back up to the top of the knot and feed it down through the two loops that were just created.
• Pull the working end to tighten the knot, then pull the standing line to seat the knot against the shackle.
• Trim and heat-seal the end close to the knot.

Frequently asked questions