Master the art of boating knots!

📰 Today’s Featured Knot Guides

1. Alpine Butterfly Knot

Why It Matters: Creates a secure loop in the middle of a rope—ideal for isolating damaged sections or attaching mid-line hardware.
Step-by-Step:

1. Form a Bight: Fold the rope back onto itself to make a loop (bight).

2. Twist Twice: Twist the bight two full turns so that you see two loops side by side.

3. Pull Through: Lift the upper loop and pass it under the lower loop, pulling it through the twists.

4. Dress the Knot: Tighten all three rope segments evenly to form the characteristic “butterfly” shape.

5. Test Security: Apply load on the loop to ensure the knot holds firm.

2. Bowline

Why It Matters: The “king of knots”—creates a fixed loop at the rope’s end that won’t slip under load, yet unties easily.
Step-by-Step:

1. Make the Rabbit Hole: Form a small loop (“rabbit hole”) near the working end.

2. Rabbit Comes Out: Pass the rope’s free end (“rabbit”) up through the hole.

3. Around the Tree: Wrap the free end around the standing part (“around the tree”).

4. Back Down the Hole: Bring the free end back down through the original loop.

5. Dress & Tighten: Pull the standing part and free end to snug the knot, ensuring a neat, symmetrical shape.

3. Figure-Eight Knot

Why It Matters: A simple stopper knot that prevents a line from slipping through hardware or unraveling.
Step-by-Step:

1. Form a Loop: Make a simple loop in the rope.

2. Cross Over: Take the working end and pass it over the standing part.

3. Complete the Eight: Feed the working end under the standing part and out through the original loop.

4. Dress the Knot: Tighten by pulling both ends, shaping a clear “8” pattern.

5. Inspect: Ensure no twists remain for maximum strength.

4. Cleat Hitch

Why It Matters: The go-to knot for quickly securing a line to a dock cleat.
Step-by-Step:

1. Initial Turn: Wrap the line once around the base of the cleat.

2. Figure-Eight Pattern: Cross over the top of the cleat horn, under the opposite horn, forming a figure-eight.

3. Locking Hitch: Make a final loop under one horn to lock the line in place.

4. Tighten & Snug: Pull taut to secure.