Knots, Bends, and Hitches for Mariners
A richly illustrated, easy-to-use guide to seagoing knotsOne of the most visible signs of good seamanship is the ability to tie the correct knot at the correct time, and fast. The essentials of the boater’s repertoire are all here—the Bowline, the Sheet Bend, the Clove Hitch, the Anchor Bend, the Cleat Hitch, etc.—but so are such lesser-known gems as the Hawser Bend, the Cow Hitch, and the Buntline Hitch. The Jar Sling is perfect for that Chardonnay you want to chill by dangling in the water, and you’ll also discover the fascinating handcraft of decorative ropework, developed by sailors over the centuries.Suffused with a strong flavor of the traditions of the sea, perfectly balanced by up-to-date information on choosing and handling modern synthetic lines, this handy volume will keep you informed and entertained as you master the art of tying:18 knots tied in the end of a line6 bends for tying two lines together17 hitches for fastening a line to a cleat, post, ring, or other object8 splices9 decorative knotsU.S. Power Squadronsis the largest private boating educator in the United States and the “go to” organization for recreational boating knowledge and training. USPS offers programs in seamanship and navigation on inland, coastal, and offshore waters, plus a host of special topics ranging from marine engines and electronics to paddlesports and sailing. Members enjoy the camaraderie of fellow boaters and an opportunity to help their local boating communities. For a squadron near you, go to www.usps.org.KnotsOverhand Knot pages 37, 38Slipped Overhand Knot pages 37, 39Figure-Eight Knot pages 38, 40Stevedore Knot pages 38, 41Blood Knot page 41Heaving Line Knot page 42Monkey's Fist page 44Bowline pages 46, 47Bowline on a Bight page 46, 48Slipped Bowline page 50, 51Angler’s Loop pages 50, 52Painter’s Bowline pages 50, 54Spanish Bowline page 55Japanese Bowline page 57Three-Part Crown Knot page 59True Lover’s Knot page 61Japanese Success Knot page 63Jury Mast Knot page 65BendsSheet Bend page 68Double Sheet Bend pages 70, 71Becket Bend pages 70, 72Carrick Bend page 72Hawser Bend page 74Reef Knot page 76HitchesRound Turn with Two Half Hitches page 78Clove Hitch (for tall piles) page 80Clove Hitch (for short piles) pages 82, 83Cleat Hitch pages 82, 84Anchor Bend pages 82, 85Rolling Hitch page 86Buntline Hitch pages 88, 89Slipped Buntline Hitch pages 88, 90Tugboat Hitch page 91Lark’s Head page 92Inside Cow Hitch page 93Jar Sling page 95Binder’s Loop page 97Sack Knot (Twice-Turned) pages 98, 99Sack Knot (Thrice-Turned) pages 98, 100Strangle Knot pages 98, 101Constrictor Knot pages 100, 102SplicesBack Splice pages 105, 106Wall and Crown Knot pages 105, 108Matthew Walker Knot page 110Short Splice page 113Long Splice page 114Eye Splice (Laid Rope) page 116Eye Splice (Double-Braid Rope) page 118Eye Splice in the Middle of Laid Line page 122Decorative KnotsTurk’s Head page 126Crown Sennit pages 130, 131Tack Knot pages 130, 132, 133Star Knot pages 132, 135Bell Rope Sennit page 140Cockscombing page 143Toggled Reef Knot pages 145, 146Toggled Lark’s Head pages 145, 147Toggle and Becket page 148