Overview of the different types of nodes: here's how to choose which one to use
Knowledge of nautical knots is one of the main things that a sailing enthusiast should pursue. Knowing which one to choose in certain situations, while on a boat, can really make the difference. Each knot, in fact, has its own characteristics, its complexity of execution and is useful for a specific function.
In this article we will take you to discover the various types of knots, illustrating the characteristics of each of them and explaining when it is appropriate to use one rather than another. Finally we will focus on the types of nautical knots to use when mooring and we will give you some useful suggestions for carrying out this maneuver in a practical and autonomous way.
Why is it important to know the different types of knots?
Knowing what types of knots you can use when sailing can help you perform some operations more easily and effectively. Specifically, having a clear idea of the differences between the various types of nautical knots is useful for a number of reasons, such as:
- Safety: the right knot allows you to better secure your boat, making mooring more reliable, in order to prevent any damage to the boat and guarantee greater comfort for the crew during stops.
- Practicality: Having a clear idea of which knots to tie in certain circumstances, especially in emergencies or in adverse weather conditions, can speed up maneuvers and some operations.
- Damage Prevention: Incorrect or poorly executed knots could give way under the pressure or weight of certain objects, leading to dangerous situations that would jeopardize the safety of people or the boat itself.
Beyond these practical aspects, knowledge of nautical knots represents a fundamental notion for anyone who is passionate about the nautical world.
What are the main nautical knots?
After having underlined the importance of knowing the types of knots, let's now review the main types, that is, the most used ones, which are:
- Savoy Knot – is the most classic of the stop knots, also known as the Savoy Joining Knot, suitable for joining two ropes of different sizes, creating a safe and reliable connection;
- Bowline Knot – used to form a loop (gassa) at the end of a rope and allows the rope to be fixed to a fixed point or to another rope;
- Spoke knot (or boatman's knot) – is a simple but effective knot, which offers a good hold and can be quickly loosened when necessary. For this reason it is used to secure the vessel to a fixed support such as a pole or a bollard. It is formed by two half-hitches paired and crossed
- Bitta Knot – used to secure a rope or line to a cleat on a boat
- Round turn and two half-hitches – is performed by making a turn around the cleat and then two half-hitches on the part of the rope in tension Feedback
Each operation that is carried out on a boat in which a rope or a line is used, requires the execution of certain types of nautical knots, functional with a specific activity.
What types of knots are used for mooring?
Mooring is one of the operations in which executing a knot perfectly can make the difference. Knowing the type of knots to use when securing the vessel to the dock will allow you to secure your boat. The advice is not to use invented or improvised knots, even if you are an expert navigator, but to rely on those notoriously more functional for this maneuver, namely: the one known as one turn and two half-hitches, or the talking knot.
Knowledge of nautical knots is not the only factor that can facilitate your mooring operation, but to make this maneuver easier and safer you can equip yourself with tools that assist you when you are preparing to dock at the quay, such as Moorsimply.
Thanks to its remote-controlled arm, Moorsimply automatically hands you the mooring lines. This way you will no longer need an assistant on the dock, but you will be able to complete the maneuver in total autonomy and safety, moreover with minimal environmental impact, thanks to the Ecolution version, produced with recyclable materials and powered by photovoltaic panels.
Contact us to request further technical information, we will be happy to satisfy your curiosity.
