MacGregorSailors.com

My son scolded me for taking these pics. But they need to be shamed. These folks are tying up $100k+ ski boats like amateurs.










And these are the better examples.

gross

Ok, ok, I'll try to do better

Russ wrote: ↑Tue Jun 25, 2024 7:21 pm My son scolded me for taking these pics. But they need to be shamed. These folks are tying up $100k+ ski boats like amateurs.

It’s not a shame, it’s Boat line macrame

In all fairness the more drinks you have the worse the knots get...

pitchpolehobie wrote: ↑Thu Jun 27, 2024 4:00 pm In all fairness the more drinks you have the worse the knots get...

If you can't tie a knot, tie a lot!

It continues

In most cases, the cleat knot is the right choice (obv. when there's a cleat to be had) but there are some additional things to think about.

A cleat knot only works when the cleat size and the line size are appropriately matched. If you consider an extreme case, like a cleat on a 40' yacht and a 1/4" line, that cleat knot won't hold. I forget the ratio of cleat size to line size rules, but you have to have a beefy-enough line for the cleat, for it to work.

Second, the cleat knot isn't immune to slippage (especially if you use that slippery dyneema, but who's using that for dock lines?). Even with normal docklines, a normal cleat hitch can slip over time. Two things can be done to reduce that possibility. First, it's OK to double-up the cleat knot: when you finish tying it, just keep going and tie another on top, using the same technique. That helps.

Second, for long term docking, even a normal cleat hitch, doubled up, can slip. In this case, you can use the cleat hitch but with an additional wrap around the cleat before figure-eighting. So instead of around the far horn, around the near horn, and looping, go around the far, around the near, around the far, and then loop it into a cleat knot. The additional 1/2 round the cleat base creates a pinch point and is much more secure against slippage, although it can get stuck on a big boat in a big wind (not our boats). There's a name for the cleat hitch with an additional 1/2 wrap around the cleat base, but I forget that too.

The knot I use when I leave the marina for any length of time is the cleat knot, with an additional 1/2 wrap, then another normal cleat knot on top. Even that can loosen up after a few weeks but it's never let go.

I'll give that 1/2 round a try. But I'll do it in addition to the doubling up lines. I keep my X in a marina in Central Florida where we get "visitors" like Mathew, Irma, Ian, and nearby headed our way, Debby. I always double up my lines. I just don't feel secure otherwise. The marina is 45 minutes away, and storms of considerable strength can pop up most summer afternoons. It is best just to leave the boat really secure. I only have three cleats with which to work so I use my cockpit stanchion for a short spring line.

Not my marina, but could be.

Our marina is mostly filled with $100k wake boats or pontoons. They refuse to learn how to tie them up safely. I am astonished how many captains who own expensive boats attach them to the dock with ski ropes with carabiners.

Here is a Jewish boy quoting John 8: 7 .
"He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her."

How anyone ties up their boat is none of my concern (as long as it does not touch mine). I've done enough things wrong/embarrassing/down right stupid. How anyone ties a knot is unmentionable, unless of course they tie up the boat with a slip-knot

Could be worse.

Those look a lot like my knots.


I do go around the cleat once first, and then about three over-unders. And hten I'ce still got about a yard left.

Should I up my dockline game'? Show me how to properly tie off to a cleat.

Take your pick.