5 Knots Every Boater Should Know

Hey boaters, are you looking for something boating related to keep you busy this winter? There's no better time to brush up on your boating knowledge and skills than now! So to help you become a better and safer boater, Firstmate Controls is sharing with you 5 knots that every boater should know, instructional videos included! Take a look:

1. Anchor Hitch (Anchor Bend or Fisherman's Hitch) Knot
This is a great knot to use when tying an anchor line to an anchor. It's also a top used fisherman's knot, so it's got multiple good uses. The knot is very similar to a round turn and two half hitches except that the first half hitch is passed under the turn. This knot holds well even when tension on the line is changing. (Source: AnimatedKnots.com)

2. Carrick Bend Knot
The carrick bend is a knot used for joining two lines. It is particularly appropriate for very heavy rope or cable that is too large and stiff to easily be formed into other common bends. It’s no jamming nature makes it a favorite to hold up massive loads, even under wet or oily conditions and is also exceptionally easy to untie. (Source: AnimatedKnots.com)

3. Figure 8 (Flemish) Knot
The figure eight follow through is one of the strongest knots. It forms a secure, non-slip loop at the end of a rope. It provides a quick and convenient stopper knot to prevent a line from sliding loose. While it is relatively easy to tie and is secure, it can become difficult to untie after heavy loading, and can jam badly in any rope type. (Source: HowCast.com)

4. Trucker's Hitch (Cinch) Knot
This knot is a great choice to cinch down a load. This combination of knots allows a line to be pulled very tight. The unique aspect of this knot is that it gives you a 3-1 mechanical advantage when chtightening the rope. This knot holds fast and is easy to untie. (Source: CMCRescue.com)

5. Pile Hitch Knot
A Pile Hitch provides a valuable way to quickly attach a mooring line to a dock post. It is surprisingly secure and very rapidly cast off. When the end of the post is available, the knot can be tied with a loop in the rope, without access to the end of the rope. (Source: WhyKnot)

These are just a few of SEVERAL knots to learn this winter while you're waiting to be able to get out on the water this coming spring. For more knots to practice, visit any of the source's YouTube or website pages to learn more! We hope you've found this topic to be a helpful and interesting one that'll keep you busy this winter. Do you have any other knots you'd highly recommend boaters knowing? Share your favorites in the comments! 

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Phone: (866) 570-9707

www.firstmatecontrols.com

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