Know your ropes & knots
Know your ropes & knots

Popular opinion has it that the expression “know the ropes” comes from the days of sailing ships when sailors had to learn the details of the rigging in order to handle a ship's ropes.
A rope is very obviously not just a rope. On the Boating NZ website, we are introduced to three-strand laid rope, eight strand plait, woven braid, and dyneema braid. Knowing your ropes and rode is the topic of the Boating NZ article. Also revealed are the answers to when is a rope a rode, or a line, or a halyard? The merits of various types of rope – nylon, polyester, polypropylene – are covered, as is information around which rope is best for an anchor winch. As regards the later, it’s important to note that the choice of size, material, and construction (braided, stranded or plaited) can make a major difference to the effectiveness of an anchoring system, and in particular the operation of powered anchor winches.
If you’re left wondering which knots are best to know, then check out the Boaties’ Best Mate site. Here you can also enjoy some video demonstrating how to tie those knots right.
The five handy knots to know are:
Figure of eight knot
Reef knot (square knot)
Bowline knot
Clove hitch
Sheet bend
The details include what each knot is used for, its advantages, and what you shouldn’t use it for.
Those in the know will attest there’s no better way to learn how to tie these knots than being taken through it step by step. There is the option of learning the basics of rope work as well as navigation and boat safety with a Day Skipper course.
Looking for the right cover on the water in New Zealand in 2021?
No matter what your plans are on the water in 2021, Mariner Insurance is here to support you. We have been offering Kiwis specialist marine insurance in New Zealand for over a decade with cover for all types of boats and watercraft. Just talk to us about what you’re doing on the water, and we can tailor one of our insurance policies to fit.
Archive
July 2022 (1) June 2022 (4) May 2022 (5) April 2022 (5) March 2022 (5) February 2022 (4) January 2022 (7) December 2021 (5) November 2021 (5) October 2021 (4) September 2021 (4) August 2021 (4) July 2021 (4) June 2021 (3) May 2021 (4) April 2021 (3) March 2021 (4) February 2021 (5) January 2021 (3) December 2020 (3) November 2020 (5) October 2020 (1) July 2020 (1) April 2020 (1) September 2019 (1) February 2019 (3) January 2019 (1) December 2018 (2) October 2018 (1) July 2018 (1) June 2018 (1) May 2018 (2) March 2018 (2) February 2018 (1) December 2017 (1) October 2017 (1) September 2017 (1) August 2017 (1)Other articles you might be interested in
It’s every boaty’s nightmare and is unfortunately the cause of many insurance claims.
The good news is, boat insurance in New Zealand is a lot cheaper than insuring a car! How much you’ll pay to insure your boat depends on a few important factors.
Here are some Mariner tips to help you when launching and retrieving your boat at a boat ramp.
We’ve done some research and built an ultimate list of fishing apps for you. Use this guide to build the perfect combination of apps to help you catch more fish.