Page 39 - Peter Owen - Knots

eye again. For safety's sake, finish the bowline
~ IZE BOWLINE off with a stopper knot to prevent it from
turning into a slip knot.
The bowline is simple, strong and stable. It is Among the knot's advantages are the facts
one of the best known and most widely used that it does not slip, come loose or jam and that
of knots, especially among sailors, and is it can be quickly and easily untied, even when
generally tied to form a fixed loop at the end of the line is under tension. A major disadvantage
a line or to attach a rope to an object. At sea it is can be that if it is tied with stiff rope, it is liable
used on running rigging and for hoisting, to work loose as the line cannot "bed down"
joining and salvage work. properly.
Tie a bowline by forming a loop in the The running bowline makes a noose that falls
standing part of the line. Pass the working end open as soon as the tension is removed from the
up through the eye of the loop, around the back line. The left-handed bowline is not as secure as
of the standing part and then down through the the bowline itself and should be avoided.

o
o

If the bowline is tied too
loosely it may turn into a
slip knot. Always finish it
off with a stopper knot.

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