Knot for pilings

[blackhawkdown]

When you’re moored for a while in your slip at the marina I’ve read the knot of choice for the cleat on your boat is obviously the cleat hitch. What about the opposite end on the piling? What makes a nice secure knot for holding the boat in place and limit as much movement as possible when tying up to the piling or whatever you have to tie off your lines to at your slip? Also do you stick with 2 lines on the stern and two on the bow?

 

[southkogs]

On a piling, I'd be using a clove hitch. Depending on the height/diameter of the piling, I might put a bowline on the end of the line and toss it over for good measure. But the clove hitch is my goto for that.

Not knowing your boat, look up tying spring lines. You want the boat secure to the pier, but you also want to give it the room it needs to move a little with the water. My spring lines are simple since I have smaller boats. Bigger boats tie off a little different.

 

[cptbill]

Are you planning to leave your lines there or do you take them with you when you go out? if I was going to leave the lines there(your permanent dock spot) I'd splice a line around the piling if this was a permanent spot

 

[dingbat]

All four dock lines eye splices on one end.

Drop starboard and port bow lines on pilings cleats (boat hook) while backing in.

Cross tie transom to dock cleats (loop end) and adjust all four lines for maximum movement in slip to compensate for tide changes.

I use 5/8” double braided lines which are too large for a cleat hitch in a lot of situations. I double up the end of rope and pass it thru the closed choke and wrap around both horns. Wrap the tag end of the rope around the horns and call it good

 

[JimS123]

Put an eye bolt (or heavy screw eye) on each piling at the right level. Just above it, install an eye hook. Attach the eye splice on your mooring line to the boat's cleats and then tie the other end to the eye bolt. Cut off the excess to make a neat job. When you leave the dock hang the eye splice on the hook and you're ready when you return.