5 essential knots for tying up your boat: a practical guide with pictures

To tie up a boat safely, it's essential to know a few basic sea knots. Here are three essential knots, with simple explanations and links to images or tutorials to help you visualise them.

1. The cleat knot (or capstan knot)

Use Attach a mooring line to a cleat or mooring bitt.
What to do :

1. Walk around the cleat.
2. Cross the rope to form an "8" around the cleat.
3. Finish with a half-key to secure the knot.
4. Leave a loose end long enough to untie the knot easily.

2. The bowline knot (or mooring knot)

Use Create a fixed loop that doesn't tighten, ideal for attaching a rope to a ring or loop.
What to do :

1. Form a loop with the rope.
2. Pass the free end of the rope through the loop, then behind the main strand.
3. Pass the free end back through the original loop.
4. Tighten by pulling on the main strand and the loop.

3. The figure-of-eight knot

Use Preventing a rope from spinning through a ring or pulley.
What to do :

1. Form a loop with the rope.
2. Pass the free end behind the main strand.
3. Pass the free end through the initial loop.
4. Tighten by pulling on both strands.

4. The flat knot (or clew knot)

Use Connect two ropes of similar diameter.
What to do :

1. Cross the two ends of the ropes.
2. Pass one end under the other and make a loop.
3. Repeat the operation in the other direction to form a second knot.
4. Tighten by pulling on both strands.

5. The dead turn knot and two half keys

Use Tie a rope to a ring, post or bitt.
What to do :

1. Make a complete turn around the object (dead turn).
2. Pass the free end around the main strand and make a half-key.
3. Repeat to make a second half-key.
4. Tighten by pulling on the main strand.

With these knots, you'll be ready to moor your boat safely on any lake or harbour! 🚤