Ahoy, boaters! Are you abreast of the best knots to tie for boating or are your skills lost at sea?

If you’ve ever been out on the water, you know that a few trusty knots are your best friends. Whether you're securing your boat, tying up some gear, or just looking to impress your fishing buddies with your knot-tying wizardry, knowing the right knots can make all the difference. 

So, grab a line, take a seat, and let’s dive into the top knots every boater should know. Spoiler alert: It's easier than it looks, and it’s a lot of fun!

The Bowline Knot

This one’s a classic! The Bowline Knot is your go-to for making a secure loop at the end of a rope. It's perfect for tying your boat to a post or cleat without worrying that it’ll slip loose. Plus, it’s a knot that won’t jam, even under heavy load, and can be easily untied.

Why We Love It:  

• Easy to tie, even under pressure (literally!)

• Doesn’t slip or jam

• Great for securing lines to posts or rings

Use The Bowline Knot For: 

• Mooring boats: Use the Bowline Knot to secure a boat to the dock by wrapping the rope through a docking cleat. 

• Anchors: Use a Bowline Knot to secure an anchor to your boat

• Sailing: Use a Bowline Knot to fasten a halyard to the head of the sail or to secure a jib sheet to a clew of a jib. 

The Cleat Hitch

Ever docked a boat? Then you’ll know the Cleat Hitch is essential. And great news, it’s very simple! This knot ensures your boat stays put without drifting off into the sunset without you! It’s quick to tie and untie, which makes it ideal for docking or mooring.

Why We Love It:  

• Perfect for docking

• Quick to tie and untie

• Looks super professional!

  
  

Use the Cleat Hitch for 

• Docking: Use a Cleat Hitch to secure a boat to the dock while you’re enjoying some lunch at Lily’s Seaside

• Anchoring: Use a Cleat Hitch to secure a rope rode or snubber when anchoring

• Sailing: Use a Cleat Hitch to hold a halyard in place

The Clove Hitch

This knot is great for securing a line to a railing or piling. The Clove Hitch is one of the easiest knots to tie quickly, making it ideal for temporary uses. Need to fasten a fender or secure a line temporarily? The Clove Hitch has your back. Be sure to use two Half-Hitches to avoid the Clove Hitch’s common problems of slipping and binding. 

Why We Love It:  

• Fast and easy to tie

• Perfect for securing things temporarily 

• Super versatile

Use the Clove Hitch For: 

• Use a Clove Hitch to temporarily secure a rope to an object

• Use a Clove Hitch to quickly anchor a boat or dock an anchor

• Use a Clove Hitch to secure cargo on a boat

The Half-Hitch (or Overhand Knot)

Behold! The Half-Hitch. This just might be the simplest knot ever. While these easy knots may not do the job of securing completely on their own, they are perfect to use to secure the end of a line after using a different knot. The half-hitch is a great insurance policy. 

Why We Love It: 

• So simple!

• Very quick to tie

• Works as a great support to other knots

Use the Half-Hitch for:

• Use a Half-Hitch Knot to tie a rope around an object and back to itself

• Use a Half-Hitch Knot to strengthen other knots

The Figure 8 Knot

A simple yet super effective knot to prevent the end of your rope from slipping through a loop or block. The Figure 8 Knot acts like a stopper, keeping your lines from disappearing into the water or slipping out of their intended place.

Why We Love It:  

• Easy to remember and tie

• Prevents lines from slipping through blocks or holes

• Ideal for safety and security

Use a Figure Eight 8 For: 

• Use a Figure 8 Knot to stop ropes from running out of retaining devices

• Use a Figure 8 Knot to keep a line from sliding through a pulley or to prevent a halyard from slipping into the mainsail

The Sheet Bend

Need to join two lines of different sizes? Enter the Sheet Bend. This knot is perfect for connecting two ropes together securely and is super handy when you need extra length or you're tying different lines together for towing or rigging.

Why We Love It:  

• Will hold under load without jamming or pinching

• Works with different thicknesses of rope

• Strong and reliable

Use the Sheet Bend For: 

• Use the Sheet Bend Knot to join two ropes of similar or unequal size 

The Anchor Hitch (or Fishermen’s Bend)

If you’re dropping anchor, you’ll want to be familiar with the Anchor Hitch. This knot is specifically designed to attach an anchor line to your anchor— or anything that needs a very secure, load-bearing connection. It holds tight under strain but can be untied fairly easily when needed.

Why We Love It:  

• Super strong and reliable under load

• Perfect for securing your anchor line to the anchor

• Holds up to the toughest conditions

Use the Anchor Hitch For: 

• Use the Anchor Hitch for (you guessed it!) securing an anchor line to an anchor 

• Use the Anchor Hitch to attach a rope to a fixed point

Ready or Knot!

What are you waiting for? Next time you’re out on the boat, take a few minutes to practice these knots. With a bit of repetition, they’ll become second nature. Plus, knowing these handy knots will not only keep you safe but will also give you some serious boater cred!

Need more tips or a hands-on knot-tying session? Swing by Silly Lily Fishing Station, and let’s get knotty together! We’re all about boating fun, great fishing, and making sure you’re prepared for your next adventure on the water.

Tight lines and smooth sailing, friends!

Boating Knot FAQs

What is the best knot to tie a rope to a boat?

The Bowline Knot. If you only have the bandwidth to learn one knot, this is the one. It’s called “the king of knots” because it’s multi-purpose, easy to master, and completely essential for all boaters. 

Learn how to create the fixed loop on the end of your rope so you can take on any hitching, mooring, or lifting, and enjoy your day on the water. 

What is the strongest nautical knot?

While there are some strong opinions out there, we’re team Double Fisherman’s Knot. It boasts the strongest bend for joining two lines of the same diameter. However, if you’re working with lines of different lengths, we recommend the Sheet Bend. 

What is the best knot to tie a boat to a buoy?

The Double Figure 8 Loop. This stable, double loop in the middle of a piece of rope will create a fixed loop that won’t splice. 

What is the best rope for boat tie-down?

Nylon. Nylon is popular for boating ropes because of its strength, resistance to sun exposure, and stretchiness.