Swiftknot

[kgower]

Has anyone used these or haver other recommendations?

 

[Beachbummer]

A cleat knot is such an easy thing to master, I struggle with the value of this idea. In a pinch, anyone can be instructed to give the cleat 3 wrap-arounds, and hold the rope tight, and it still will hold well until someone with a clue can approach and tie correctly.

I would think of this a great product for someone with difficulties such as reduced motor function or strength, or not otherwise able to normally preform the task. But without a special need for the product, it sure seems bulky and complex for what it offers.

 

[fatboyroy]

When I take friends out, I tell them, DO NOT DO ANYTHING sit down and dont move while I dock. I find it easier cause its chaos if you give them task and by them moving around the boat tends to drift with their movement. I am fine with cleat knot but I see if you want your guest to help you this will help.

 

[Beachbummer]

I agree with above, best help is stay seated and touch nothing, BUT...

If you really want a guest to help dock, say you are single handed otherwise, you could have a pre-measured spring line with loops on both sides, attached to boat, then have guest attach other loop to boat cleat (just drop around), then use as spring line to gently set boat into position.

 

[kgower]

I think I am more interested in being able to make quick adjustments to the fenders.

 

[RobbieO]

I used this for the first time this weekend. Best purchase I have made for my boat. It’s especially great if you are docking by yourself, or if it’s windy. A must have!

Boat Loop – Docking Pole & Hook – Multiple use Boating tool

The telescopic boat loop extends your reach up to 9ft from your boat to grab cleats or posts. Dual hooks are perfect for retrieving items.

rsmarine.com

 

[Quad]

I think I am more interested in being able to make quick adjustments to the fenders.

That's what drew my eye. I use Danik Hooks right now for fenders and while they work well, it still makes me cringe when I see them rubbing on gelcoat.

 

[HangOutdoors]

Ok i just got these in. Hopefully will try them thos weekend

 

[tkeru408]

I'll be interested to see what you think, @HangOutdoors.

I tend to agree with BeachBummer above, if you need someone to help tie up and they don't know how to do a cleat hitch they can just wrap the line around the cleat a few times...that'll be fine until a proper cleat hitch can be tied. Bungee dock ropes are another alternative; they're very cheap and easy to use.

 

[HangOutdoors]

For the kids, their friends and the admiral. Not many launces around here have cleats. Just wooden posts. I thought these would make it eaier for them when launching and docking.

 

[tkeru408]

I see. It's the opposite here...no wooden posts on the dock, just cleats. I have found that the smallest bungee dock ropes have loops at the end that aren't big enough to go over/around the large dock cleats in our area (10" cleats maybe, I'm not sure).

 

[HangOutdoors]

Yeah, i am not sure why that is. Maybe there is a reason for lack of cleats around here. I am curious

 

[tkeru408]

At least you don't have to worry about kicking a cleat. I made that mistake once ?...now I wear closed-toe slip-on shoes while launching the boat!

 

[FSH 210 Sport]

When I take friends out, I tell them, DO NOT DO ANYTHING sit down and dont move while I dock. I find it easier cause its chaos if you give them task and by them moving around the boat tends to drift with their movement. I am fine with cleat knot but I see if you want your guest to help you this will help.

Totally agree…. Had a great youngster on board and kept having to tell him to sit down and stay still during a “challenging” docking maneuver. Finally had to get a little cross to get my point across. Then had a sit down chat with him to explain that if he is up moving around then I have to watch out for him as a #1 priority and drive the boat.

I like the idea of using them to quickly adjust bumpers like @kgower suggested.

 

[FSH 210 Sport]

At least you don't have to worry about kicking a cleat. I made that mistake once ?...now I wear closed-toe slip-on shoes while launching the boat!

Ouch!!

 

[Evil Sports]

I keep a few of these handy for amateur hour

Amazon.com: Greenfield SNS-B Stretch n' Slide Rafting Line, Multicoloured: Automotive

Buy Greenfield SNS-B Stretch n' Slide Rafting Line, Multicoloured: Dock Lines & Rope - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

 

[RobbieO]

Ok i just got these in. Hopefully will try them thos weekend

View attachment 153888

Looks like cleat hitches and fenders in 1. Big...

 

[Dough]

"The dreaded cleat knot"

 

[2kwik4u]

I think I am more interested in being able to make quick adjustments to the fenders.

I had the same thought. More to adjust fenders than anything else. Although I've taught the 9yr old how to tie a taut-line and he can loop through, get that tied off, and adjusted rather quickly now.

"The dreaded cleat knot"

Yea, it's so easy I'm not sure how it got dreaded at all. Again, the 9yr old has it down pat now. He can dang near do it without looking at it.

Secondarily. Teach your young ones how to tie a bowline, taut-line, clove hitch, and a double half-hitch, and they can make fast, hang, loop, attach, lash, and tie damn near anything.

 

[Sbrown]

I would add to that knot list the figure 8 on a bight.