RE: [Paddlewise] A knot that is adjustable, but holds under tension?

From: Matt Broze <mkayaks_at_oz.net>
Date: Tue, 17 Oct 2000 16:24:09 -0700
(Pete Cresswell)" <hc_at_FatBelly.com> wrote:

>>>>Right now, I'm using a trucker's hitch.

Seems to me like I've seen something that holds under tension, yet can be
slid
more open or closed when the line is slack...sort of a hangman's
knot-looking
thing.   My Mariner Express' deck rigging had something like that.

I'd look it up, but need a name to search on.

Anybody got a name?<<<<


There are several "hitches" with this characteristic. I think the best is
the "Midshipman's hitch".
You can find it in "Ashley's Book of Knots" or directions for it are on our
website in the manuals section under "Owners" (in the last half of a long
file).
I'd send the drawing too but I don't think we can do that on paddlewise so
here is what the text says:
The other knot is a type of taut-line hitch known as the Midshipman's Hitch.
This knot can be slid by hand to shorten or lengthen the line as needed. You
will soon want to slide the knot back to compensate for the shrinking of the
nylon line once it gets wet. You should never have to untie or retie this
knot in normal use. However, the Midshipman's Hitch is such a good knot
we'll try to teach you to tie it anyway. We use it in tying kayaks to car
racks and bumpers since it can easily be lengthened or shortened to take up
slack yet holds firmly under a heavy load. One of our customers (who we
watched tie it before we showed him how -- a unique occurrence) explained
that it was the only knot that the Navy Air Corps allowed for tying cargo
down on airplanes. Quite a testimonial.


Matt Broze
http://www.marinerkayaks.com


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Received on Tue Oct 17 2000 - 16:21:51 PDT

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