(Bowline)

Below are common knots and there uses in tying up your Seabee.
Some of the knots below will never be used yet some will be used daily!
It is recommended that at least three 15 foot lengths of line (rope) be
aboard the Seabee at all times. (This does not include the anchor line
which is a whole different animal). These lines are not only for tying down
the wings and tail, but may be used as a casting lines in "tight" situations.

Line diameter of one-half inch is MINIMUM for the Seabee!
 
NEVER use Polypropylene or Nylon line! It just isn't strong enough over time
and is very stiff when tying knots.
The sun (ultra-violet rays) takes the strength out of these type lines.

	Preventing Twisted Rope from Unraveling: Nylon, Polyester, Polypropylene: Tape rope around the circumference as illustrated. Cut in the middle leaving tape intact on each side. When cutting these fibers with a pocket knife or scissors, the cut ends should be fused by a matchflame to prevent untwisting. Tape is unnecessary if a "hot knife" is used as heat will melt and fuse the cut ends. Manila, Sisal: Tape the rope as illustrated below. Cut in the middle as that each end remains permanently taped. Natural fibers do not fuse with heat.
	Figure 8 Knot: The figure eight knot is used at the end of a rope to temporarily prevent the strands from unlaying (unraveling).
	Square Knot: (Reef Knot) If tied with two ends of unequal size, or if one end is stiffer or more slippery than the other, it is bound to slip. Under no circumstances should it be used as a bend. (A bend is tying two ropes together).  There have probably been more lives lost as a result of using a SQUARE KNOT as a bend.
	Clove Hitch: Also known as Builder's Hitch because of its wide use by builders in fastening staging to upright posts.
	Timber Hitch: This knot is very useful for hoisting and  as towlines and holds without slipping or jamming.
	Sheet Bend: Also known as Weaver's Knot and used aboard ships for joining small or medium sized ropes. Popular also in textile mills for joining threads or yarns. The only knot that, no matter how tight, can easily be unfastened.  Can be used with two different guages of rope.
	Fisherman's Bend: An important knot because of its strength and simplicity and is more secure when end is seized as shown. A good wing and tail tiedown knot.
	Fisherman's Knot: The fisherman's knot is probably the strongest known method of joining fine lines, such as fishing line. Don't try to get it untied once it is put under stress.
	Surgeon's Knot: This knot is usually tied with twine. The surgeon's knot is a modified form of the reef knot (square knot) and the extra turn taken in the first tie prevents slipping before the knot is completed.
	A: Tying two ends together. B: Knot in end of line to prevent fraying. (Figure eight) C: Securing line to post. (Modified Sheet Bend)

The above illustrations and knot explanations are courtesy of Lehigh Group®, Macungie, PA 18062.

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Updated October 5, 2003