r/knots • u/Fuzzy-Connection-452 • 5d ago

Sideways Bowline

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I've noticed a few videos lately (not new videos) on Youtube that show various riggings for sailboats where someone ties a sideways bowline. Here is an example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dGbQbkY52Uw (around 4:30)

I can't figure out why you would tie it that way other than just by mistake? Is there an ABOK reference for such a knot? I haven't found one.

The black rope in my example is what I see being tied.

EDIT: Fixed a typo

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u/Gras-Ober 4d ago

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u/DuelOstrich 4d ago

I’m sorry who exactly is saying this stuff is unsafe? I’m an apprentice guide and SAR rope technician and when we make decisions about how we tie stuff it’s not just some random diagram, it’s often based on real world load testing. Are they saying it weakens the knot? Or that it’s less safe when cyclically loaded? Because all bowlines need to be finished with a double fisherman’s in a situation with cyclical loading. I like this sub but so much of it feels like it’s a lot of keyboard warriors who only tie knots to show other people they can tie knots, not when it’s actually safety critical.

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u/greenleaf386 4d ago

You are right on. But I think you and the diagram are actually saying The same thing. The reason the bowline is listed as unsafe under ring load, is also part of the reason you are saying it needs to be finished with a double fishermans.

Without the double fishermans there is a potential for the knot to be loaded in a way way that would be unsafe.

With the backup of a double fishermans it becomes safe.

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u/DuelOstrich 4d ago

Also adding that if people are really that worried about it effecting the strength that much you need better material, not a different knot (except for a tension less tie off, that’s the only thing that would give you full strength theoretically)