Clove Hitch

[Ships_Cat]

Hey, don't wet your knickers /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

But seeing you have wet them already, maybe I can safely add without risk of further discomforting you that many boats will have lifelines 4mm dia or greater (for example all yachts over 8.5 m meeting any category of the ISAF Special Regulations will have lifelines of at least 4mm dia and those over 13 m at least 5mm in dia) and in many instances those will be covered so that their final diameter is maybe 12mm or even much greater again if padded. Some will have solid rails if larger vessels (although there are plenty of smaller vessels, especially commercial but also some pleasure, with pipe rails too). Others may have 8 or 10mm Spectra or similar as lifelines.

So, a sailor with broad experience over a range of vessels will be well aware that in many cases a clove hitch is perfectly satisfactory for fenders and would not make silly blanket claims of it never being so.

So, as they say, get knotting - errrr should that have an "ing" on the end or an "ed"? /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

John

 

[Stevie_T]

Tied to the pullpit is stowed properly, not all boats have enough locker room.

 

[jerryat]

I agree. Left my fenders with clove hitches for months each time we over-wintered in the Med. with no trouble. I suspect that many 'unhitching' problems occur because of the line/rope used. Those with a shiney finish are usless IMHO, whereas a 'used' matt type, seem to hold like a limpet indefinitely.

The diameter matters hugely too. The only time I've had a problem was with line of about 12mm diameter on a couple of fenders given to me. Far to heavy and almost impossible to tighten round a life-line.

 

[cozy]

I've never had a problem with clove hitches. In fact, the only problem I have ever had with fenders is climbing over them to get into the heads........

 

[Guest]

Clove hitch will stay with steady load on one tail.

COW Hitch needs both tails under load.

BUT in fender / other use where snatches etc. happen it is wise to put a single half hitch after the clove hitch .... very quick to do, and reliable.

Round turn 2 half hitches etc. - seems a bit OTT for fenders !!
/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

 

[l'escargot]

I can get 7 fenders in my snapdragon locker (with everything else) so that isn't the case here.

 

[wooslehunter]

Clove hitch is great for quickness. If it's going to bump around add a half hitch later. No prob.

Nice idea about the turn around the lower wire. But why not just tie to the lower wire anyway?

 

[ghost]

You seem to be continually taking the stance of the devils advocate, basing your point on broad generalisations and presumptions. You incinuate that my remarks are 'silly' and that 'If had spent time on any number of boats the blah blah blahditty''.
It's as if you're just going out to way to attempt to insult me personally, how can you, we dont know each other, if you disagree with anyone fine, base your opinion on fact and you're own experiences', not on conjecture for the sake of having the last word in an attempt to elevate your own standing in this community. Why else would you feel the need to attempt to 'shoot someone else down', if you disagree then do so, but dont get personal matey, evolve a little, go on, you'll probably feel even better and after all thats what you like isnt it, feeling better than others around you?

 

[Andrew_Fanner]

Fender hooks...

 

[ghost]

dear wooslehunter,
I refer you my first post in the thread, where I agree,
-- clove hitch with a half hitch chaser -
the clove as normal with a half hitch 'chaser' round the loaded line.

 

[Ships_Cat]

Sorry I was indeed mistaken, there was obviously some more knicker wetting room left /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif.

In any event, I am quite confident that my posts were very specific about why I thought clove hitches were satisfactory and with no broad generalisations and presumptions as you claim.

Perhaps you should change your bio to indicate that you are not so easy going and playful as it currently seems to indicate? Just a suggestion.

John

 

[ghost]

I just dont take kindly to being personally judged by a stranger in writing in public. cool? /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[Ships_Cat]

Just blowing down your neck Ghosty one, don't take it seriously. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

John

 

[bigmart]

Oh! Come on. Don't get all "Peace Brother" on us now.

How about a real punch up!

Come on get really personal. You know you want to.

Martin /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

[pappaecho]

Oh Dear, After 40 years I have been using the wrong knot to attach fenders... Is this the wrong sort of knot as per wrong type of snow/rain/leaves etc?

 

[Ships_Cat]

I am just wanting to get my tummy tickled. You know how cats react to that - suddenly become all teeth and claws /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif.

John

 

[bigmart]

They're all wrong any way. the correct knot is a Sheepshank with a highwaymans Hitch stopper.

Its never let me down.

martin /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[bigmart]

Thats why I only tickle my cats Belly with a Yard Broom.

It pays to keep a distance!

Martin /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[Lakesailor]

Cobblers. You are all wrong. The best knot is a bow with the loops carefully teased to be the same length and drooping gracefully down.

 

[paulskent]

To make it worse...

In my now extensive 6 months of boat owning experience I have been using a quick release clove hitch (the one with the loop in the top) and I have not lost one of my skanky white fenders yet.. I really would like a new set but a bit of oil and muck doesn't really justify it. I spent 2 weeks learning this knot and get a great deal of satisfaction from the loopy bits at the top.. Don't want to change now...