How to Tie Nautical & Bowline Knots

Nautical knots are utilized for safety purposes on boats; they ensure that the lines are secure. A large number of nautical knots exist, including the bowline knot; it is one of the most used knots in boating. The bowline knot is versatile because it does not slip. It can be used to tie two lines together, and to attach the jib sheets to the jib's clew. The loop can be used for hitching, lifting or mooring. The end of the rope used when tying a nautical knot is called "the bitter end."

Things You'll Need

  • Natural or synthetic rope
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Instructions

    • 1

      Form a loop with the end of the rope.

    • 2

      Form a second loop that is larger than the first loop. The end of the rope will now have two loops overlapping each other.

    • 3

      Place the bitter end through the smaller loop. Pull it around the back of the rope at the top of the loops.

    • 4

      Guide the bitter end -- from where it was wrapped around the front -- back through the smaller of the two loops

    • 5

      Tighten by pulling the bitter end and the longer part of the rope.