The Heaving Line Knot is used to add weight at the end of the rope.
It’s used in sailing and arborist work when a weighted rope needs to be thrown accurately and efficiently.
It’s easy to tie and you can even customize the number of wraps depending on how bulkier knot you need.
Let’s learn it in detail.
Heaving Line Knot Details
Type: Stopper knots
Other Names: None
ABoK Reference: #538
How to Tie a Heaving Line Knot
- Make two bights forming the “Z” shape. Leave enough rope on working end for the wraps.
- Pass working end through the top bight.
- Wrap around both strands only.
- Make wraps around three strands and feed working end through the bight.
- Pull the loop at the top to tighten the bottom loop and then pull standing end to tighten the loop at the top.
Heaving Line Knot Uses
As the name implies, the Heaving Line Knot is used as a heaving line, meaning it adds weight to the end of the rope, making it easy to throw it further.
- Sailing: Tied to the end of a messenger line used for pulling a larger rope.
- Rescue operations: Throw a rope further if someone falls overboard.
- Arborists: Throw rope over the tree branches.
- Decorative purpose: Used as a stopper knot for decorative purposes.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Easy to tie
- Does not require extra objects to add bulk.
- Does not jam and can be untied easily after use
- Adjust size and weight
Cons
- It’s not bulky enough for permanent heaving lines
Alternative: Monkey’s Fist Knot
The Monkey’s Fist is commonly used as a heaving line knot at the end of the rope.
It’s tied with a weighted core usually a metal at the center which adds bulk and precision for throwing.
But, it needs some dexterity to tie this knot and
Also, it’s difficult to untie this knot.
Other Similar Knots
Heaving Line Bend
The Heaving Line Bend is used to connect the small-diameter messenger rope to the large-diameter heavier rope.
It’s then used to pull the larger hawser ropes.
Related: Bend Knots
Common Whipping Knot
The Common Whipping knot is tied similar to Heaving Line Knot and is used to protect the rope ends from unraveling.
Hangman’s Noose
The Hangman’s Noose is a sliding Noose knot that is tied similar to the Heaving Line Knot.
Frequently Asked Questions
What length is required to tie the heaving line knot?
The number of wraps used to tie the Heaving Line knot depends on the number of wraps you want.
In our case, 10 wraps with the 0.9mm rope required 1.4 meters.
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