Knowing how to tie a knot is a crucial skill when it comes to owning a boat. Ropes, tie offs and cleats are just a reality of life on the water. If you’re just getting started or are even a long time veteran check out these knots and maybe learn few new tricks.

Bowline-

The bowline is a great knot for the end of a line of rope. It is a great knot when it is in use and under tension but can easily come undone without tension on it. This knot is especially helpful when you need to connect two lines of rope.

Cleat hitch-

Cleat hitch is probably the most simple of knots to master. It also can be completely ineffective if done incorrectly. Use the cleat hitch to secure your rope to a cleat and keep your boat held steady at the dock.

Anchor bend-

The anchor bend is ideal for tying a rope to a new anchor. It is a secure and trustworthy knot which is what you need when it comes to your anchor. With that being said, you will still want to secure the loose end for added security.

Heaving line-

The heaving line knot helps to add weight to an end of the rope making it easier to throw. Illustrations of the knot are pretty straightforward but you’ll find leaving a loop on both ends while tying allows you to thread the rope end through and tighten the loop down over it.

Double overhand-

This is exactly like a regular overhand knot but with an extra loop before you pull the end through. It is great if you need extra width to act as a stopper to prevent the end from slipping out of a space. It is also the base of other helpful knots.

Please check out animatedknots.com and netknots.com for more information and illustrations for these and other knots.