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October 7, 2008 
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Home  Tools  Knots & Splices

When boating, it is critically important that the right knot, hitch or bend be used for the job in hand, so we need to know what knots should be used and how to tie them correctly.

One thing stands out when we talk about marine knots as opposed to other purposes. When a rope with a marine knot in it has been placed under strain and pulled tight, it must be able to be undone without having to resort to use of a marlinspike or knife. All good marine knots have this characteristic - they can be undone after strain.

Ropes are made in a variety of fiber and in two main constructions:
Fibers Contruction
  • Nylon: Very elastic and absorbs shock. Can be dangerous if it parts; does not float.
  • Polyester: Very little stretch and an excellent all-round rope; does not float.
  • Polypropylene: Inexpensive, not as strong as polyester but it floats. Ideal for rescue lines, dinghy painters and so on.
  • Laid or Twisted Rope: Normally laid right-handed (always coil up clockwise); easy to splice.
  • Polyester: Very smooth, ideal for halyards and so on; common on sailing boats. Difficult to splice.
Click here to see examples of marine knots and their uses.