Really? You only know one way to tie a bowline?

I just spent half a hour transferring the stuff I don't know into a larger box.

For years I have been making a little sissy loop in a line every time I tie a bowline. Works fine for the end of a dockline you tie in in your lap.

But when, tying a preventer on a boom over your head, or passing a line around a pier , that little loop is awkward.

Why? Because to my surprise, that ain't the right way to do it.

But then, you knew that already.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ozskWrDM-F4

Boy Scout, Cowboy, Seamen? I'm now very dizzy:0

Rick R. said:

Boy Scout, Cowboy, Seamen? I'm now very dizzy:0

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Actually, Rick, after watching that video I discovered that I'm only a *Cub Scout*. Perhaps with further training I'll someday make it to "Boy Scout."

Alan Gomes said:

Actually, Rick, after watching that video I discovered that I'm only a *Cub Scout*. Perhaps with further training I'll someday make it to "Boy Scout."

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Me too Alan...lol! I've been doing the "scout" method and have always found it required reciting the rabbit mantra.

Hello Everyone.
New to this website as I am actively considering an Ericson 27 as a first big boat. Perhaps this is not the best topic for a first post, but I thought I'd provide some personal insight. I spent 4 years at a Maritime Academy and our basic seamanship teacher was a WWII vet who was absolutely adamant that there would be absolutely no "out of the hole, around the tree...." crap at this school. As you might imagine, his choice of words was different. We learned the crossover method and ONLY this method and also had to be proficient in tying it in the dark and as an added bonus, behind our backs. His reasoning was very simple - if you do not make the loop properly (over vs. under), the knot will not be correct and will not hold. I have never forgotten this and have never made a bad bowline.

Welcome to the site, Pete.

Wish you had gotten here earlier, it took me way too long to figure out how to tie a bowline.

Thanks, glad to be aboard.
I forgot to mention that his reasoning also included the fact that when you do screw up making the "hole" it will always be at the most inopportune moment.

Bungo Pete said:

Thanks, glad to be aboard.
I forgot to mention that his reasoning also included the fact that when you do screw up making the "hole" it will always be at the most inopportune moment.

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Agreed on the hole!