Anchor bend
Hitche · moderate · also called Fisherman's bend
Used for
- Tying a rope rode to the anchor's shackle or ring, or to the end of the chain
- Making a line fast to a mooring ring or dock ring where it will slacken and tighten over and over
How to tie it
- Pass the end of the line through the ring or shackle.
- Pass it through a second time so two turns lie side by side on the ring.
- Take the end around the back of the standing part.
- Tuck the end under both turns, where they sit on the ring.
- Pull on the end and the standing part to snug the turns down.
- Finish with a half hitch around the standing part, leaving a long tail.
Check it: There are two turns around the ring, the end is trapped under both of them, and a half hitch sits on the standing part. If the end only goes around the standing part without passing under the turns, you have tied a round turn and two half hitches instead.
Cautions
- Knots in the rode chafe and weaken the line. Check it regularly, retie it now and then on a fresh spot, and for long-term anchoring or a mooring prefer a spliced eye with a thimble and shackle.
- It can jam in some modern rope and may be stiff to undo after a hard load, especially when wet. An extra turn around the ring can help.
- For more security, tie off the tail to the standing part or add another half hitch.
To untie: Take off the half hitch, pull the end back out from under the turns, and unwind them.
Sources (5)
en.wikipedia.org · whalesite.org · christinedemerchant.com · marines.mil · media.defense.gov
General guidance for recreational boaters, researched from the sources listed and written in our own words. Your equipment manuals, local knowledge, the Navigation Rules and a qualified instructor come first.