13 Sailing Knots Every Boater Should Know (and How to Use Them)
Tied to tradition
Story by Brooks Golba
In the age of GPS and self-tailing winches, knowing your knots might seem like an old-school skill. But when you’re out on the water, whether docking, anchoring, reefing a sail or just stowing gear, nothing beats a solid knot tied right. Here are 13 foundational knots every sailor should know. Learn them, trust them, and keep your lines tangle-free.
1. Bowline
How to tie it: Make a small loop (“the rabbit hole”), pass the working end (“the rabbit”) up through the loop, around the standing part (“the tree”), and back down the hole.
Use it for: Creating a fixed loop at the end of a line. It’s strong, won’t slip and unties easily, even after being under load. Use it for securing halyards or tying to a mooring post.
2. Fisherman’s Knot
How to tie it: Tie an overhand knot around one rope with the other, then repeat in reverse. Pull both lines to snug the knots together.
Use it for: Joining two ropes of similar diameter. Often used with fishing lines but handy for tying light lines or lashings aboard.
3. Fisherman’s Bend
How to tie it: Pass the line twice around a post or ring, then finish with a half hitch over the standing part, and tuck it under itself.
Use it for: Securing a rope to a ring, eye or anchor. It holds firm under strain and is reliable for anchoring or attaching to fixed points.
4. Double Carrick Bend
How to tie it: Interlace two rope ends in a basketweave pattern, loop under and over each other in a mirrored fashion, then tighten evenly.
Use it for: Joining two heavy ropes, especially when the connection needs to be secure but still easy to untie. Ideal for mooring lines or towing.
5. Overhand Knot
How to tie it: Simply pass the working end over and under the standing part to form a loop, then pull it through.
Use it for: Creating a simple stopper knot to prevent a line from slipping through a block or fairlead. Also used as the first step in more complex knots.
6. Figure Eight Knot
How to tie it: Form a loop, wrap the working end behind the standing part, then tuck it through the loop.
Use it for: Preventing lines from slipping out of cleats or blocks. It’s the preferred stopper knot in sailing; easy to tie and untie, even after a load.
7. Half Hitch
How to tie it: Wrap the working end over and under the standing part or around an object.
Use it for: Securing items temporarily or as the foundation for more complex knots. It’s weak alone but versatile in combination.
8. Clove Hitch
How to tie it: Wrap the rope around a post, cross over, and wrap again above the first wrap. Tuck the end under the second turn.
Use it for: Quickly tying to posts, rails or spars. It holds under light strain and is easy to adjust, perfect for fenders or temporary ties.
9. Cleat Hitch (Halyard)
How to tie it: Loop the line around the base of the cleat, cross over in a figure-eight motion, and finish with an inverted loop under the final turn.
Use it for: Securing lines to a cleat, especially halyards and dock lines. Fast, clean and effective; every sailor’s bread and butter.
10. Two Half Hitches
How to tie it: Make a half hitch around a post, then add another behind it.
Use it for: Securing a rope to a post, ring, or eyelet. It’s more secure than a single half hitch and still easy to untie. Ideal for dock lines and lashings.
11. Square Knot (Reef Knot)
How to tie it: Pass the right end over and under the left, then repeat with the left over the right.
Use it for: Tying two ends of the same rope together, especially for reefing sails or bundling lines. Not suitable for high strain.
12. Double Overhand Knot
How to tie it: Form an overhand knot, but wrap the working end around the standing part twice before tucking it through.
Use it for: Creating a bulkier stopper knot or securing the end of a line. Harder to untie than the regular overhand.
13. Round Turn and Two Half Hitches
How to tie it: Wrap the line twice around a post or ring, then add two half hitches.
Use it for: Mooring or tying a line to a post when extra security is needed. The round turn absorbs strain; the hitches lock it down.
