Fender knots

[sheppard]

Re: spliced big loop

....em I think I use something called a lark's head. Am I using the wrong knot or the wrong name.....

 

[luty]

Re: spliced big loop

I was on a boat recently where the skipper used the lark's head to tie his sail ties to the handrails on the companionway steps. Involves bringing the two ends of the sail tie together, and passing them around the pole and back through the bight. Very simple knot, first time i've seen it, am pretty sure it can't be used for fenders though.

 

[Marsupial]

Re: spliced big loop

Hi

I’ve used the larks head - or larks bill knot to attach fenders for over 20 years and I haven't lost one yet! Its quick to tie and untie and very quick to adjust height. The crew appreciate it when I announce that the fenders and warps have to change sides! (who said skippering was a popularity contest?) The same knot works well to attach warp to the rail. In my experience it’s more secure than the clove hitch – for fender work.

I have watched fenders “fall off” guard rails in a *blow when attached with a clove hitch – the rocking motion of the boat loads and unloads the knot letting it slowly untie. IF not under constant load the clove hitch is IMHO a much-overrated knot – most people know this and add a couple of half hitches.

* we retrieved the delinquent fenders and reattached them

I have seen fenders “attached” with metal “hooks” – well they may have been attached, there was a clip on the end of one I found floating in the marina and a frayed end on the other one – further investigation revealed that the clips had cut through the guard rail and fender line. . .

After writing this I anticipate that when I visit my boat on Saturday week all the fenders will have cast them selves off and floated away!!!! – where are the posts on gel-coat repair.









DOHH!!

 

[dulcibella]

Re: Fender knots and favourite knots

I tend to use rolling hitches. I'm sure that a clove hitch + extra half hitch would give the same extra security, but I find the rolling hitch quicker to tie. Everyone has a knot/hitch/bend that they like and therefore use too much. Which knots do other people over-use?

 

[jhr]

Re: Fender knots and favourite knots

SWMBO invented a new fender knot at the weekend. I don't know what it's called - but it's definitely a b*gg*r to get undone /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

[DaveS]

I've happily used the same system for years. Each lanyard has a stopper knot left tied on the end. I tie the lanyard with a slipped clove hitch to the toe rail (c. 20 mm diameter - Etap). Knot drawn up tight with stopper pulled up hard against it. Never seen one loosen itself yet and a single pull on the stoppered end releases it.