The Portuguese Bowline forms two adjustable loops at the end of the rope.
The best thing about this knot is that you can adjust the size of the loop even after tightening the knot.
It’s often used as a makeshift Bosun’s chair or for towing or lifting objects.
Let’s check this knot in detail.
Portuguese Bowline Details
Type: Loop
Other Names: French Bowline
ABoK Reference: #1072, #1848
How to Tie a Portuguese Bowline Knot
- Make an Overhand loop with the working end of your rope.
- Make another large loop in the same direction.
- Pass the working end through the small loop.
- Pass it under the standing part.
- Feed it through the small loop.
- Tighten the knot.
Other Variations of Portuguese Bowline Knot
Portuguese Bowline with Splayed Loop
Need the loops to point out in opposite directions instead of staying parallel? You can “splay” the loops (ABoK #1073).
This variation can be used for slinging a plank or even a ladder to make an improvised work platform.
That said, the Spanish Bowline is more suitable for this purpose as the loops are fixed when the knot is tightened.
Anchor Hitch
The Anchor Hitch (ABoK #1849) is based on the Portuguese Bowline and is tied with a single pass.
It can be useful when you need to tie the rope around the anchors when towing heavy loads.
Application and Uses
The Portuguese Bowline is used as an emergency Bosun’s chair for rescue purposes.
It can be used as an anchor bend to tow vehicles or other heavy loads.
Its adjustable loops make it useful when you need something quick.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Forms an adjustable double loops
Cons
- The loop can collapse if one of the loops is loaded heavily.
Other Bowline Knots with Two Loops
Spanish Bowline
The Spanish Bowline consists of two loops which can be formed at the middle of the rope.
Both the loops are fixed and can not be adjusted after the knot is tightened.
The splayed loops can be used in applications where a T-shaped profile is required.
Bowline on a Bight
The Bowline on the bight also forms two loops in the middle of the rope.
But unlike the Portuguese Bowline, the loops are fixed and once the knot is set, it’s set.
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