Page 221 - The Ashley Book of Knots
P. 221
THE ASHLEY BOOK OF KNOTS
1167. The MASTHEAD or JURY MAST KNOT is generally to be found
among the ·'fancy knots." This is because it is decorative, and it may
also be because the occasion for its practical use is fortunately seldom
encountered.
The original purpose of the knot is to place a strap around a tem-
porary masthead to which stays can be made fast. The knot binds
well and provides several loops to which the stays are secured with
BECKET HITCHES. If possible cleats should be nailed below the knot.
It has also been called a "PITCHER KNOT."
Ashore it is employed practically at the head of a derrick pole.
It has frequently been recommended as a means of lugging shot
about ship, but I have never seen this purpose mentioned by a nau-
tical authority and the usual means for transporting shot was a heavy
"CABBAGE NET" (?S!3792).
The common MASTHEAD KNOT, which is the one pictured here, is
commenced with three overlapping hitches. The inner bights of the
two outer hitches are led in regular sequence over and under to the
opposite sides of the knot, while the upper bight of the center hitch
is merely extended. The teeth are sometimes used for the latter
, I 66
purpose.
When the knot is put to use the ends may be employed for addi.
tional staying or they may be seized to the side loops after the knot
is drawn taut.
1168. A second method is commenced by laying down a SINGLE
HITCH, followed by a round turn, and then a second hitch, the first
hitch being at the left of the knot.
It is possible, of course, to tie any knot reversely (except one that
is dependent on the lay of the strands or rope) but for purposes of
practice it is simpler for the reader to disregard that possibility and
to tie the knots as they are described.
This particular knot is less complicated than ?S! II67, at the point
where the ends depart from the knot. Here they may be reef knotted
together, to which treatment the former knot does not lend itself
readily.
1169. A third method of tying the JURY MAST KNOT is started
with three round turns. The bights are woven in regular over-and-
under sequence as already described, and as indicated by the arrows
in this diagram. After this the center loop or turn is extended. ·1 he
ends may be seized to the stays after the knot is in place, or they may
be used for additional staying.
The sketch at the left shows the knot in place at the masthead
ready for the addition of stays. Notice that wooden cheeks have
been nailed to the mast to prevent slipping. There may be some pro-
tuberance already on the jury mast that will serve the purpose. If
nothing is found an attempt to provide something should be made,
or else a slight groove can be whittled, rasped or chopped around
the spar. Only if it is absolutely necessary should the knot be used
1170 unsupported, in which case KNOT ?S! I 167 may have the firmer grip.
If nothing else offers, parcel the mast with rubber or canvas.
1170. A FRENCH MASTHEAD KNOT which has but two loops is
shown by Challamel (Paris, 189 I). By using the legs of the knot to
secure the headstay, with the two loops for the backstays, there will
be three leads, which is the number usually required. All stays should
be secured to the loops with BECKET HITCHES (?S! 1900).
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