Tugboat hitch
| Tugboat hitch | |
|---|---|
| Names | Tugboat hitch, Lighterman's Hitch, Backhanded Mooring Hitch |
| Category | Hitch |
| Releasing | Non-jamming, releasable under load |
| Typical use | Heavy towing, mooring, making fast to a winch |
| ABoK | #1795 |
| Instructions | [1] |
The Tugboat hitch (aka Backhanded mooring hitch or Lighterman's Hitch) is a knot ideal for heavy towing, or making fast to a post, bollard, or winch. It is easy to release, even under great load.
Tying
To tie, take a single turn or a round turn around the post. Pass a bight under the standing part, then drop the bight over the top of the post. Then make a bight in the rope on the other side of the standing part and drop it over the post. Note that in each placement of a bight over the post, the end's side of the bight should lead to the side away from the standing part--this will make casting off easier. Continue this repetition as necessary until secure (usually three bights). Finish by half-hitching a bight around the standing part or a round turn about the post. With heavy loads, it is important to have made enough bights and turns to reduce force on the final turns or a hitch--otherwise, it will be difficult to untie (a hitch) or may slip.
See also
External links
- Animation of tying at Rope Works.
