The water bowline is a type of
knot
A knot is an intentional complication in cordage which may be practical or decorative, or both. Practical knots are classified by function, including hitches, bends, loop knots, and splices: a ''hitch'' fastens a rope to another object; a ' ...
designed for use in wet conditions where other knots may slip or jam.
Although similar in finished appearance to the
double bowline
A double bowline (or round turn bowline) is a type of loop knot. Instead of the single turn of the regular bowline, the double bowline uses a round turn. This forms a more secure loop than a standard bowline.
Naming
Though called "double bowlin ...
, the water bowline is formed with a
clove hitch
The clove hitch is a type of knot. Along with the bowline and the sheet bend, it is often considered one of the most important knots. A clove hitch is two successive half-hitches around an object. It is most effectively used as a crossing kno ...
as the loop in the standing part of the rope. This is similar to the double bowline, which puts the running end through a
round turn
A turn is one round of rope on a pin or cleat, or one round of a coil. Turns can be made around various objects, through rings, or around the standing part of the rope itself or another rope. A turn also denotes a component of a knot.
When the ...
. The additional friction from the clove hitch increases the security of this knot.
Image:Waterbowline-1.jpg, 1. Make a half hitch
Image:Waterbowline-2.jpg, 2. Complete the clove hitch
Image:Waterbowline-3.jpg, 3. Through the clove hitch
Image:Waterbowline-4.jpg, 4. Around standing end
Image:Waterbowline-5.jpg, 5. Back through hitches
The Water Bowline can be tied very quickly by throwing two half hitches over the working end and then running the working end around the standing line and back through both half hitches. This is illustrated in the three pictures below.
Image:Waterbowline-A.jpg, Throw the first hitch
Image:Waterbowline-B.jpg, Throw the second hitch
Image:Waterbowline-C.jpg, Complete the knot
See also
*
List of knots
This list of knots includes many alternative names for common knots and lashings. Knot names have evolved over time, and there are many conflicting or confusing naming issues. The overhand knot, for example, is also known as the thumb knot. The ...
External links
Water bowline knot
{{Knots