How to tie line to Mooring Bitt?

[Mark42]

This is a mooring bitt. I have seen line tied to these with a loose end sticking out. Looks sort of like a line on a cleat. I have one on my MFG Niagara, but I have a loop tied in the end of the anchor line and just stretch the loop over the bitt. Anyone know how to properly tie a line to a mooring bitt?

 

[Mike Robinson]

Re: How to tie line to Mooring Bitt?

I've always wrapped once around the base, then done 4 figure eights arond the horns (similar to using a cleat) and finished off with a couple more wraps around the base. Some people like to finish off with a couple of "locking turns" (twist loops over the horns) but i've always avoided these as they can jam and make it hard to undo.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: How to tie line to Mooring Bitt?

I have always used the same meathod as I do on a cleat.

 

[OldePharte]

Re: How to tie line to Mooring Bitt?

I would use a clove hitch with a half hitch.

 

[abj87]

Re: How to tie line to Mooring Bitt?

I've always wrapped once around the base, then done 4 figure eights arond the horns (similar to using a cleat) and finished off with a couple more wraps around the base. Some people like to finish off with a couple of "locking turns" (twist loops over the horns) but i've always avoided these as they can jam and make it hard to undo.

thats a great way to do it if you want your boat to float away...
The proper way was posted above.

This should be taught in the boaters safety classes, it seems know one knows how to do it correctly.

 

[Navy Jr.]

Re: How to tie line to Mooring Bitt?

I would use a clove hitch with a half hitch.

Agree with OldePharte. Clove hitch with at least one half hitch, a second half hitch being optional.

 

[ziggy]

Re: How to tie line to Mooring Bitt?

i agree with bobvt.... though i could see a clove hitch working too...

http://www.animatedknots.com/indexboating.php?LogoImage=LogoGrog.jpg&Website=www.animatedknots.com

 

[Drowned Rat]

Re: How to tie line to Mooring Bitt?

A clove hitch? I don't see how that would work and even if you could tie a clove hitch to it, I wouldn't trust it to hold with the constant slack and tension on the line. A clove hitch is used to tie a line to a stanchion or rail. They are strong for what they are, but they depend on constant tension to hold.

Do what Bob_VT says.

 

[Mark42]

Re: How to tie line to Mooring Bitt?

Now that you point it out, tying like a cleat does make sense because it really is just a fancy cleat. With a bow chock to keep the line from un-wrapping around the cleat with tide and wind changes, I can see it will hold in even the roughest weather.

Actually, I am embarrassed that I didn't realize that years ago. :redface:

 

[Mike Robinson]

Re: How to tie line to Mooring Bitt?

thats a great way to do it if you want your boat to float away...
The proper way was posted above.

This should be taught in the boaters safety classes, it seems know one knows how to do it correctly.

Can you explain why the boat would float away? Maybe I didn't explain myself very well but I've been securing lines this way for many years (decades actually ) with no problems. I never use a half hitch, line swells when it gets wet and a half hitch can be difficult to undo. Maybe a photo is needed to explain better.

 

[Ned L]

Re: How to tie line to Mooring Bitt?

Using a clove hitch will work on a small boat with light loads, however If you do this on a larger boat with heavier loads (esp in a blow) you may have one heck of a time removing it. Have you ever tried to remove a REAL tight clove hitch(?) - not easy. Mike pretty much has the best way, a turn around the base, a couple of 'figure eights', finished off with a proper locking turn. This will not come free and will not tighten so as to make removal difficult.

 

[Dick Sorensen]

Re: How to tie line to Mooring Bitt?

Key aspect of any knot is not only it's performance characteristics but how do you un-tie it safely; for you and your boat. The reason for the locking turn is to make sure your connection doesn't come undone...the round turns give you control as you let out the line....you can lengthen the scope of your anchoring cable without taking all the load on your arms and back...the round turn allows you to release everything safely....so, always a round turn, then a figure eight or two, then a locking turn. A safe hitch that you can control!

 

[Mark42]

Re: How to tie line to Mooring Bitt?

Key aspect of any knot is not only it's performance characteristics but how do you un-tie it safely; for you and your boat. The reason for the locking turn is to make sure your connection doesn't come undone...the round turns give you control as you let out the line....you can lengthen the scope of your anchoring cable without taking all the load on your arms and back...the round turn allows you to release everything safely....so, always a round turn, then a figure eight or two, then a locking turn. A safe hitch that you can control!

I like the way you think!

 

[boat1010]

Re: How to tie line to Mooring Bitt?

Bob's picture says it all. I was in the Navy 23 years and that was the only way we were taught. Best way to hold and untie. Works every time.

 

[AZcamperguy]

Re: How to tie line to Mooring Bitt?

i agree with bobvt.... though i could see a clove hitch working too...

http://www.animatedknots.com/indexboating.php?LogoImage=LogoGrog.jpg&Website=www.animatedknots.com

Thanks for posting that site!!