Knots - the ones you need to know

No doubt there are entire web-sites dedicated to the multitude of knots that you can use  when boating.

Powerboaters generally  though can get by with just four. Knowing how to tie each of these and when they should, and shouldn't!, be used  is absolutely essential.

Bowline (pronounced 'bow-lyn'): This is perhaps the most useful of the four knots and is most commonly  be used to secure to a buoy or ring. Two bowlines can be used to join two ropes together. When tied correctly it will not come undone and can be untied even after a significant load has been placed on it.

Round turn & two half hitches: This knot is most often used to secure a rope (or 'warp' in boating language) to a mooring ring. The advantage of this knot is that it too can be untied after being under a significant load and it will not chaff when subject to repeated tightening/untightening from wave motion.

Clove hitch: This knot is mostly used to tie fenders onto rails & ropes. It is easy to tie but is susceptible to coming undone if the load is taken on and off repeatedly

Sheet bend: This knot is ideal for joining two ropes together - particularly if they are of different sizes.

Click here to view photos of these knots - here