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Section 20

Marlinespike Seamanship

Becket. An eye in the end of a block used for securing an end . General term for securing a line to an object, another of a line; an eye in the end of a . line, or itself. Also, unit of speed of one nautical mile per hour. Bend. To make fast a sail to a spar or stay. Also, a knot to secure a line to another line or object. Marlinespike. A pointed steel tool used in splicing to open the strands of a rope or cable. See “.” . Open or closed loop in a line or rope. Seize. To bind by many wrappings of small line. Fid. Tapered tool used in splicing. . Small stuff for binding. Hitch. A knot used to secure a rope fast to another rope or to other object. Splice. Joining lines by interweaving the strands.

Whip. To bind the end of a rope with light line.

1 The lines aboard a sailboat are of such great importance 3 Nylon was the first of the synthetic lines to receive that all sailors should know the types of cordage avail- widespread use. It has great strength and tremendous able and the various applications. They need to know elasticity. This latter characteristic makes it useful for where and how to use the lines on their boat. They also docking lines, towing bridles, and (especially) anchor need the ability to tie various and hitches and to rodes. Nylon stretches and absorbs shocks when the boat make splices. Sailors pride themselves in their knowl- is anchored or tied up. Dacron® is about 10% weaker than edge and take pleasure in doing fancy work with the nylon but stretches much less. Dacron® is preferred for lines on their boats. sheets, halyards, and other lines where minimum stretch is desired. It has a similar appearance to nylon but is smoother. It is easier to chafe through, so care must be Cordage taken to the lines away from obstructions. 2 Many types of rope are available at a local marine supply store so selecting the best one for a particular need can 4 Polypropylene is a lightweight line that will float. It has be an interesting exercise. Discussions of cordage in the only about half the strength of nylon and sometimes texts and manuals of a few years ago included reports on sheers off without warning when fatigued. It is more dif- the relative merits of such natural fiber as hemp, ficult to knot and splice because it is slippery. However, sisal, and manila. Today, synthetic materials are so much its floating characteristic makes it useful as a dinghy more suitable for use in the marine environment, in so painter or mooring pick-up line. Lines that become many different ways, that the natural fiber ropes are wrapped around a propeller shaft are always a problem seldom employed. Manila, for example, is the best of as well as dangerous, so polypropylene is the perfect the natural fiber ropes but will rot if stored wet, is hard answer. Use it for other low-load jobs where buoyancy on hands, and is not as strong as synthetics. is desirable.

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chest. Many sailors today still find pleasure in unusual functional and decorative rope work for their boats.

8 Even if the time isn’t available to become proficient in the skill, a few basic knots, bends, and hitches should be learned. Only a few are required to serve nearly every common shipboard need, and they are easy to learn. The basic ones are included here along with descriptions of how to tie them, and some of the common uses for each.

9 The distinction between knots, bends, and hitches has become vague, but hitches connote a temporary fasten- Figure 20–1 Three Strand Laid Line ing, usually to an object. A bend is a knot used to secure a rope to an object, or to tie two ends of a rope together. Laid vs. Knots are used to describe most fastenings, nautical or

5 Laid lines, Figure 20–1, are fibers that are twisted into not. Frequently, bends and hitches are called knots. yarns, which are in twisted into strands. The strands, usually three, are then twisted around each other in a 10 There are several terms that make description easier. clockwise direction. The lay progresses towards the The standing part of a line is the main section, which is right so the lines are right-hand laid. Anchor rodes and ® frequently attached to something or leads back to the coil. dock lines are commonly laid nylon. Laid Dacron is The bitter end is, as the name implies, the very end of also available and is often used for the rope tails on wire the line. A bight (pronounced bite) is a U-shaped portion halyards. or loop in a line. Line and rope are not interchangeable terms, although they are often used that way. A line is a piece of rope that has been cut from a coil to be used aboard a boat. The same material is called rope while it is still part of the coil.

11 . The overhand knot is the knot that most people learn to tie first, Figure 20–3. It simply involves crossing the bitter end of a line over the standing part, Figure 20–2 Braided Line and then taking the bitter end up through the loop that is formed. 6 Lines are also braided, Figure 20–2. Braid consists of a loosely laid core, which is then surrounded with a wo- STANDING PART ven cover. Braided lines are more costly, but they have advantages. Their smooth outer surface distributes the load on the line among more fibers, thus reducing wear and allowing for longer rope life. Since their smooth outer surface makes the lines easy to handle, they are frequently used for sheets. Braided Dacron® is also com- BITTER END mon as a halyard material when wire is not necessary. Figure 20–3 Overhand Knot

Knots–Bends–Hitches 12 This simple knot is part of several others and can be 7 Sailors on large ships often spent their off watch used as a all by itself. A stopper knot is time doing fancy work with cordage. Sometimes, it one that is tied in the end of a line to prevent the line was for the ship, and other times, the fancy rope work from pulling back through a block or fairlead. When a was for the sailor—perhaps a decorated ditty bag for sailboat is rigged, stopper knots are generally tied on the his ropeworking tools or some beckets for his seaman’s ends of the sheets to prevent them from unreeving and

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the smaller line following exactly the path of the first turn. This bend is called a double , Figure 20–6. It is a bit less likely to shake out if the load is reduced. Working End Line 1 Figure 20–4 Figure-8 knot Working End Standing Part becoming lost or snarled should the jib get temporarily Line 2 out of control. An overhand knot used as a stopper can Line 1 jam under a heavy load, becoming difficult to untie.

13 Figure-Eight Knot. If the bulk of an overhand knot is not adequate to prevent unreeving, several other stopper Standing Part knots are in common use. The simplest is the figure-eight, Line 2 Figure 20–4. Figure 20–6 Double Sheet Bend

14 Square or . A knot that most people have 18 . The bowline is a knot used for forming a loop heard of and many can tie is the square knot, or reef in the end of a line, Figure 20–7. It is a valuable knot to knot, so called because it is used on a sailboat to tie off know, has many uses, is easy to tie, does not jam under excess sail material during reefing. heavy loads, and is easily cast off.

Figure 20–5 Sheet Bend

15 Sheet Bend. The sheet bend, or common bend, is used for joining two lines together. The sheet bend, Figure Figure 20–7 Bowline 20–5, works well whether the lines to be joined are the same size or not. It is very easy to tie, is reliable under 19 An important use for the bowline is to fasten jib sheets load, and unties easily. For these reasons, the sheet bend to the clew of the jib or genoa. should be the knot that is used most often for joining two lines. 20 . The clove hitch is the most common and versatile of the hitches, Figure 20–8. It can be used to 16 To tie the sheet bend, make a bight in the end of one hang fenders from the lifelines or to tie the boat tempo- of the lines. If the lines are of different sizes, the bight rarily to a piling. Understand, however, that the clove should be in the larger line. Pass the working end of the hitch can work loose when there is not a constant pres- other line up through the bight, around under both legs sure on both its ends. Therefore, it shouldn’t be regarded of the bight, and then around over the legs of the bight, as a permanent knot unless both ends are loaded. but under the standing part of the second line. To pull this knot snug, hold both legs of the bight together and 21 The clove hitch is a jamming knot made like two half- pull on the standing part of the smaller line. hitches. The clove hitch is often used when making the anchor rode fast to a samson post. Tying a clove hitch 17 Double Sheet Bend. When tying this bend, many sailors for this purpose is quite simple. Turn a loop in the end will make a second round turn with the working end of of the anchor rode. Make this loop so that the end of

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23 The can also be useful when it is neces- sary to take the load off a sheet or halyard temporarily, using a secondary line. If it is necessary, for example, to remove a loaded sheet from a winch, a line can be attached to the sheet above the winch using a rolling hitch. This hitch will not slide along the line on which it has been tied. The temporary line can then take the load while the sheet is transferred to another winch, or cleat. This is particularly helpful when you get an override on a winch—that is, the sheet is jammed on the winch.

24 or Fisherman’s Bend. A number of dif- ferent knots are called anchor bends. The most common anchor bend is also called the fisherman’s bend. As the name implies, the anchor bend is used to secure the Figure 20–8 Clove Hitch anchor rode to the anchor. For this purpose, it must be the rode passes under the standing part, then drop the a non- that can be relied upon through succes- loop over the samson post. Now, with the line beyond sive loading and unloading while out of sight. Because the samson post, make another loop in exactly the same of its non-slip properties, this knot can be quite useful manner. Drop the second loop over the first loop. Taking aboard the sailboat in places other than the anchor rode. a strain on the bitter end will tighten the knot. See Figure 20–10.

22 Rolling Hitch. The rolling hitch is a knot used when affixing a line to a smooth spar when the pull on the line is going to be along, or nearly along, the spar, Figure 20–9.

Enlarged View Override of Hitch of Line Sheet

Winch 2 Line to Remove Tension Winch 1 Figure 20–9 Rolling Hitch Figure 20–10 Anchor Bend

25 A knot is used to temporarily join lines. Splicing is also used to join lines, but has advantages aside from permanence. The line with a well-made splices is less bulky. Splices are also stronger than knots. A line with a good knot in which there are no tight kinks retains about

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80% of its strength; a spliced line retains about 90% of its strength. 32 Synthetic lines can be temporarily protected by heating the ends and fusing the yarns together. This is frequently 26 Splicing is easier to learn using three-strand natural fiber done using a match or cigarette lighter. A soldering iron lines than three-strand synthetic lines. The synthetic or gun may also be used. Simply heat the newly-cut end lines are easily spliced, but it takes a bit more attention of the line until the yarns melt and form a homogeneous to ensure that the individual strands do not unravel dur- melted layer. This layer will harden and protect the end ing splicing. So start practicing with a fiber line such as from fraying. Be careful to keep your fingers away from manila or sisal. the molten nylon or Dacron®, since it will stick to your skin and burn painfully. Commercial dips are also avail- 27 If a small-diameter line is used, the only equipment able for this purpose. needed is a sharp knife. When splicing a larger line, either a marlinespike or a fid will be required. Amarlinespike 33 This fusing process is quick and easy. However, if the is a pointed metal tool used to separate the strands of a line is to receive much use, the fused end will eventu- line during the splicing process. A fid is a similar tool ally break up and allow the line to fray. For this reason, originally made of wood but now frequently made of synthetic lines as well as natural fiber lines should be wood and/or metal. Traditionally, the fid was used for whipped. fiber rope, while the marlinespike was used for wire rope. 34 To make permanent whippings, a needle and twine will be required. A sail needle and a sailmaker’s palm are 28 The short splice is the strongest way to join two lines. helpful tools and should be standard on a sailboat. The Since it increases the diameter of the line at the splice, the sail needle is triangular; a sailmaker’s palm is a leather short splice should not be used to join two lines that must strap with a pitted iron piece fitted in the palm. The iron pass through a block. If a spliced line is to pass through piece is used to push the needle through heavy material a block or over a sheave, use a long splice. A long splice or rope. increases the diameter of the line at the point of splice only slightly, but is not as strong as a short splice. 35 There are many different kinds of permanent whippings, some plain and some fancy. The basic permanent whip- 29 The is perhaps the easiest to learn. It forms ping will be discussed here. It is called the palm-and- a permanent loop in the end of a line in either three- needle whipping. To begin the whipping, put the twine strand or braid line. It is used almost universally aboard through a strand or two using the sail needle. The bitter sailboats to attach fittings to sheets and halyards. end of the twine should be short enough to be covered by the turns of the whipping, and should be laid along 30 Braided line is commonly used aboard sailboats and has the line toward the bitter end of the rope—the direction several advantages. It is strong, it is easy on the hands, in which the whipping will be made. and it presents a greater surface area to a winch (for increased friction) than does laid line. Splicing braided 36 Begin making tight turns around the rope with the whip- line is different from splicing laid line, but it is no more ping twine. When a distance approximately equal to the difficult. However, special will need to be obtained. diameter of the rope has been whipped, pass the twine The fids come in different sizes for varying line sizes through a strand using the needle. Have the twine emerge and can be purchased individually or in sets, complete from the line close to the top of the whipping between with instructions for their use. two strands, Figure 20–11.

Whipping 31 Every sailor should know how to protect the ends of his lines from unlaying and forming unsightly “cow’s tails.” Both natural and synthetic lines will unlay if left unprotected. Even braided lines, which do not unravel as Figure 20–11 Whipping laid line does, will eventually fray and require wasteful cutting of the ruined portion.

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propeller. The best way to ensure a smooth running line is to have it properly coiled.

Figure 20–12 Completed Whipping 42 The best way to coil a laid line is to place an end in the left hand with the line to be coiled leading away from 37 Now bind the whipping together with worming turns, you. Then with the right hand, make clockwise loops Figure 20–12. Take the twine down across the whip- about 2 feet / 60 centimeters long. If the line is to be ping above the crevice between two strands. Push the stowed, leave about 2 feet and finish by making several needle through the rope just under the whipping so that round turns around the middle of the coil. Form a bight it emerges between two different strands at the top of the with the remainder, and push the bight (but not the end) whipping. Now, pull the twine down across the whip- through the top eye in the coil. Then pull the bight back ping, again over the separation between two strands. Put over the top of the coil, and pull the end to tighten. the needle through the rope, again, so that it emerges between the two remaining strands at the top of the whip- 43 A laid line will kink if it is not compensated for the ping. Pass the twine once again over the whipping, and strand twist. The kinks can be avoided by giving the line push the needle, again, through the rope from bottom a slight clockwise twist when forming the loops. Braided to top of the whipping. This time cut the twine close to line has no built-in strand twist so no twist is necessary. where it emerges from the rope. The whipping is now A braided line can be stowed by faking. Grasp the line complete. near where it is secured, perhaps on a cleat, with your left hand palm up and your thumb pointing toward the 38 If a sailmaker’s needle and palm are not available, the cleat. With your right hand, thumb pointing the same end of any line can be protected with temporary whip- direction, grasp the line a comfortable distance down the ping. Waxed, natural-fiber whipping twine has been line. Bring your right hand past your left and drop the used for whipping natural-fiber ropes. However, the line into your left hand as your right hand moves back small-diameter whipping twine is in danger of rotting to grasp the next loop. In most cases the line will fall after the wax has worn off, so many sailors today use into a figure eight pattern. When this line is thrown, it ® Dacron sailmaker’s twine for all whipping. Waxing the will have no kinks. twine with beeswax makes it easier to maintain tension on the whipping as it is applied. 44 Before heaving a line, secure the end to some part of the boat such as a cleat. This way, you can concentrate Heaving A Line on the throw without having to worry about holding the 39 It is important to be able to heave a line a fair distance. end. Get the heaving line ready for throwing by care- Getting a line to a dock quickly makes docking easier, fully it into coils about 18 inches / 45 centimeters and passing a line to a vessel in distress can be most in diameter. Split the coiled line into two sets of coils, safely done from a distance. Knowing how to heave a holding the coils nearest the working, or weighted, end line can be invaluable. in your throwing hand. Hold the remainder of the coils in your other hand. This will leave a strand of line several

40 While any line can be heaved farther using the proper feet long connecting the coils between your hands. technique, having a proper heaving line aboard a boat can substantially increase the distance reached with the 45 If your line has a weighted end, allow this weighted line. A heaving line is usually small in diameter and has knot to hang about a foot below your throwing hand. a monkey fist tied in the end of it. The monkey fist usu- Warn people in the target area to watch out for the line. ally contains a lump of lead or some other small heavy A weighted monkey fist can be a dangerous projectile. object. This knot and weight make the line much easier To throw the line, swing both arms back toward your to heave. throwing side and heave the line with a side arm motion, like throwing a discus. As the line is released with the

41 The next requirement is to have the heaving line prop- throwing hand, pitch the coils in the other hand in the erly coiled. Some sailors will stream the line behind the same direction. If the line has been coiled properly and boat to remove the kinks from the line. This can have released at the right instant, it will reach its full length disastrous effects if the line happens to wrap around the while still in flight.

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46 If a proper heaving line is not aboard, there are several knots whose sheer bulk will make the line easier to throw. The heaving line knot, which is simply a with the loop pulled way up short, is probably the best.

Summary 47 Every sailor should know the types of cordage available, the various applications, and have the ability to tie vari- ous knots and hitches. Nylon is a very versatile synthetic material with great strength and elasticity, properties which make it an excellent material for use as anchor rodes. When joining two lines together, the sheet bend is the knot that should be used. When forming a loop in the end of a line such as is required for fastening jib sheets to the clew of the jib, the knot to use is the bow- line. Splicing lines together enables 90% of the line’s strength to be retained as compared to the best of knots under ideal conditions, which only retains about 80% of its strength. Both synthetic and natural fiber lines should be whipped to prevent the ends from unlaying.

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Homework: Section 20: Marlinespike Seamanship Name ______

1. The best type of line to use for docking and anchoring is: a) nylon. b) manila. c) Dacron®. d) polypropylene.

2. What type of line is used for halyards and sheets? a) Manila. b) Nylon braid. c) Dacron® braid. d) Polypropylene.

3. A good stopper knot is the: a) sheet bend. b) . c) square knot. d) figure-eight knot.

4. A bend is used to: a) coil a line. b) form an eye splice. c) join two lines together. d) prepare a line for splicing.

5. A laid line has parted and must be rejoined to pass through a block. Which splice would you use? a) Eye splice. b) Long splice. c) Back splice. d) Short splice.

6. The two characteristics of polypropylene rope that make it dangerous are that it: a) stretches and floats. b) floats and is slippery. c) floats and sheers without warning. d) is slippery and sheers without warning.

7. Laid nylon line is commonly used for: a) vangs. b) sheets. c) halyards. d) anchoring and mooring.

8. The hitch used to fasten to pilings, railings, and to hang fenders is the: a) bowline. b) clove hitch. c) square knot. d) rolling hitch.

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9. The proper fastening of a line to a spar for a pull along the spar is the: a) bowline. b) clove hitch. c) rolling hitch. d) anchor bend.

10. The proper fastening for a jib sheet to the clew is the: a) bowline. b) square knot. c) anchor bend. d) rolling hitch.

11. A short splice should not be used: a) with Dacron®. b) when using synthetic line. c) when joining two pieces of line. d) when the splice must run through blocks.

12. Splicing laid line: a) is more difficult than splicing braided line. b) should only be attempted by an expert. c) decreases line strength more than a knot. d) can be learned easily and may be used to make an eye splice in a line.

13. Braided line is commonly used on sailboats because it: a) resists stretching. b) floats and holds well to cleats. c) is strong and easy on the hands. d) resists mildew, stretching, and can be washed.

14. A splice in a line typically retains: a) 90% of its strength. b) 75% of its strength. c) 60% of its strength. d) 50% of its strength.

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