5 Best boating knots to know on the water
Didn’t get the chance to master all those boating knots during the busy summer season? No worries! Fall is the ideal time to learn the essential knots for your boating and water sport needs, with plenty of time to practice and perfect them as the calm, cool autumn days set in. And don’t stop there—keep practicing! By the time next summer rolls around, you’ll be a knot-tying pro.
Boating requires a wealth of knowledge before you hit the water, and it’s important to feel fully prepared. At Dockshare, we’re committed to making the water more accessible for everyone, which is why we created our platform for private docking. But we know that having the right dock is just the beginning. To help you on your boating journey, here are some essential knots every water enthusiast should know before setting out.
1. Cleat Hitch
The cleat hitch is one of the most basic and essential knots to master. It’s designed to securely attach a rope to any cleat, making it incredibly versatile. This knot is especially useful for securing loose ropes or temporarily tying a boat to a stable structure. To tie the cleat hitch, start by wrapping the rope underneath the cleat for a full rotation. Then, create a figure-8 shape on top of the cleat and tuck the loose end under the top cross of the figure-8. For a more detailed guide, check out this video on how to tie a cleat hitch.
2. Bowline
Next, let’s talk about the Bowline. This knot creates a fixed loop that won’t slip or tighten, making it perfect for towing objects behind a boat. For the best results, check out this tutorial from the American Sailing Association on how to tie a Bowline properly.
3. Square Knot
The square knot is another practical and versatile option. It’s ideal for joining two ropes of equal thickness and is commonly used to secure items or furl sails. To tie it, start by making an overhand knot with both ropes, then tie another overhand knot with the loose ends. For a visual guide, check out this helpful tutorial on tying a square knot.
4. Figure Eight
The figure-eight knot is another must-know knot. It’s perfect for securely tying the ends of ropes while remaining easy to untie, even after withstanding significant tension. This knot is frequently used for docking, mooring, and preventing ropes from slipping through riggings. To learn how to tie a figure-eight, check out this straightforward instructional video.
5. Double Half-Hitch
Finally, the double half-hitch — also known as two half hitches — is widely used in mooring. It’s great for tying ropes around poles, pilings, or posts. To tie it, start with an overhand knot followed by a half-hitch. Again, for a step-by-step visual, check out this video on the double half-hitch. Check out this video.
We’ve only scratched the surface with our favorite and most used boating knots. There are plenty more knots where these came from. For a more complete list with tutorials, check out Animated Knots’ videos. The more you use the boating knots, the more you become a master. You may even be able to do it with your eyes closed soon!! If you need a place to practice your Double Half-Hitch, book a dock with Dockshare and tie up to your heart’s content.