The Mooring Hitch is a quick release knot used to tie small boats, kayaks, or tether animals around a tree, pole or object.
If you need a knot to tie something quickly but super easy to undo, this is your go-to.
It’s simple, does not slip under tension, and is easy to untie with a pull of the tag end.
Let’s learn it in detail.
Mooring Hitch Details
Type: Quick Release Knots
Other Names: None
AboK Reference: Not Available
How to Tie a Mooring Hitch Knot
- Pass the rope around the pole.
- Make the loop on the working end.
- Form a bight and feed it under the standing end.
- Tighten the knot.
To undo the knot, just pull the tag end and the knot falls apart easily.
Mooring Hitch Strength
The Mooring Hitch is only moderately secure.
It should be used for temporary mooring only, and don’t trust it for something life-critical.
It’s funny that the name “Mooring Hitch” is used for the knot that isn’t perfect for mooring boats.
Pro Tip: If you want to secure the knot further, just feed the tag end through the loop (refer to the last slide).
ABoK and the Mooring Hitch
Sadly the knot that we call today the “Mooring Hitch” isn’t the same as the one mentioned as the “Mooring Hitch” in the Ashley Book of Knots.
In the book, it refers to a different knot called the Rolling Hitch (version 1).
Pros & Cons
- Simple and easy to tie
- Secure and does not slip
- Quick release option
- Difficult to tie under tension
- Can undo itself if tension is not maintained
- Prone to jam
Application and Uses
The Mooring Hitch is useful in situations when you need to tie something temporarily but still want to release it quickly.
Here are some examples:
- Mooring small boats and kayaks
- Tethering animals to a post
- Setting up a ridgeline
- Hanging objects
Other Alternatives
Slipped Buntline Hitch
The Slipped Buntline Hitch looks similar to the Mooring Hitch but is a more secure alternative.
It’s easy to tie, grips tightly around the object, and can be released quickly with the tug of the working end.
Tumble Hitch
The Tumble Hitch is the most secure quick release knot.
It’s more secure than the Mooring Hitch or Slipped Buntline Hitch, but still should not be used for life-critical applications.
It can also be tough to master for beginners.
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