| Did you know that when you tie marine knots, one fast | | | | bight of the bowline and weakens the line. One |
| easy step can keep your knot in place without fear of | | | | additional step will prevent this... |
| slipping or excessive chafe and wear? With this simple | | | | Add a round turn for extra security |
| guide, you will learn how to put friction to work for you | | | | * Untie your line and drape it over the rail again. |
| to hold your small cruising boat in place every time. | | | | * Pass the line around the bar or rail one more time to |
| When you tie up to a dock or moor in a slip, you often | | | | make a "round turn". |
| loop your lines over a piling or mooring ring. You will | | | | * Tie a bowline. Now, pick up the end of the line and |
| need to determine whether to tie up with a turn or a | | | | put tension on your knot. |
| round turn. To help you decide, go through these two | | | | * Try to move the knot up and down the railing. It's |
| easy experiments. Then you will know beyond a | | | | tough to do this time! |
| shadow of a doubt what to do to keep your cruising | | | | Friction prevents the line from moving. That extra turn |
| boat safe and secure. | | | | grips the rail like a stubborn clam and helps keep the |
| Tie a bowline knot with a single turn | | | | loop of your bowline in place. Add a round turn to |
| * Find a 4' to 6' piece of nylon or dacron rope. | | | | make chafe and wear a thing of the past! |
| * Locate a horizontal rail or bar. | | | | Use the round turn any time you're concerned about |
| * Drape the line over the rail and let it hang. This is | | | | the bight of a line riding up and down vertical pilings or |
| called a "turn". | | | | inside mooring rings (often used in Europe and the |
| * Tie a bowline knot. Next, pick up the end of the line | | | | Mediterranean). Many of the more robust nautical |
| and put tension on your knot. | | | | knots--such as the rolling hitch and anchor bend--start |
| * Move the knot up and down the railing. Notice how | | | | with the tough, reliable round turn. |
| easy it slides up and down. | | | | Use these marine knots tips to help you make the |
| That's what happens when you tie up your small | | | | best decisions when docking or anchoring. You will add |
| cruising boat with just a turn. That bowline will work up | | | | years of life to your marine ropes and save yourself |
| and down the surface of a piling with wind and tide or | | | | lots of money in replacement costs. |
| passing boat wakes. This chafes and wears the inside | | | | |