Page 118 - Jim Whippy - Reeds Knot Handbook

Originally the lighterman’s hitch was used by the Thames
lightermen, who carried freight down the river on engineless
barges. Today it is used to moor any vessel to a bollard, as it
holds firm without slipping or jamming.
The greatest advantage of this hitch is that it is
exceptionally quick to tie and can be released in seconds,
even if there’s a current to contend with. When tying this other useFul Knots
knot you need to make sure that you have a long working
end and that the top of the hitching post is accessible.

STEP-BY-STEP

1
Wrap the working end
of your rope around
the hitching post twice,
to provide sufficient
friction to withstand
the load.

2
Next, form a loop in
the working end.

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