The Bowline on a Bight

The Bowline on a Bight is used to make a a pair of fixed-size loops in a line. This knot can be used to make an emergency bowswain's chair to go up the mast or bring an injured person aboard, or serve as a towing bridle.

The benefits of the bowline are in its loop that will not slip, and in its ability to be untied after being exposed to a strain.

To tie a bowline on a bight: Begin with a small overhand loop (the loop goes over the standing part) in a doubled line. Be sure to leave enough in the bitter end (free end) to form the loop. Form the loop of desired size. Pass the bitter end up through the small loop. Now, open the bight where the line is doubled an pull the main doubled loop through. The bight should be slid down. Tighten it up.

Return to Knots