3 Knots Every Boat Owner Should Know

Every boat owner knows that a knot can make or break your day. Tie a hitch knot incorrectly on a dock line, and you might come back to find your boat drifting away. Master these essential knots, and you'll be able to handle a variety of boating tasks. For more information, visit us at Portland Marine & Electronics in Clackamas, Oregon, serving Portland, Oregon, and Vancouver, Washington.

1. Cleat Hitch

Most docks are outfitted with T-shaped metal pieces called cleats. When your boat is moored at a dock, you'll tie it to the cleats to prevent it from floating away. This is where the cleat hitch comes in. 

To make the cleat hitch, wrap the dock line once around the base of the cleat. It should sit under the "horns", the metal pieces that extend off of the base. Then, run the end of the line in a figure-eight shape around one side of the cleat; repeat on the other side. As you wrap the rope around the final curve, slip the end of the rope under the loop. Pull the loose end of the rope to tighten the knot.

2. Clove Hitch

When you need to secure a line quickly, the clove hitch is a good choice. Many boaters use it to tie the boat temporarily to a rail or piling; it's also handy for securing fenders. To make the knot, wrap the loose end of the line around the object. As you start to make the second turn, cross the line over the first loop. As you complete the second loop, slide the end under the rope between the two loops. This knot tends to slip out as the boat shifts, so it's best for temporary use.

3. Bowline Knot

Anytime you need to make a slip-proof loop at the end of a rope, turn to the bowline knot. You can use it to secure the boat to a piling or to link two lengths of rope together. To start, form a loop about 2 or 3 feet from the end of the line. Pull the loose end of the rope through the loop, and wrap around the line above the loop. Then, grab the end, and move it back down through the loop. Pull hard to secure.

These are just three of the knots you'll need to master as you operate and moor a boat. Don't worry if they're complicated at first — over time, they'll become second nature. Are you considering a new boat purchase? Come by to see the lineup at Portland Marine & Electronics in Clackamas, Oregon. We proudly serve boaters from across the Portland, Oregon, and Vancouver, Washington, metro areas.