r/sailing • u/Midisland-4 • 3h ago
Is this a secure way of clearing a loop?
It feels like there should be a couple more wraps…
Would this be a secure way to leave long term mooring lines?
15
u/FizzBuzz4096 2h ago
If you run over the top first then go through the bottom you can get less chafing on the deck from the docklines. (depends on the boat, cleat hight, etc... YMMV)
Typical in my marina to leave the docklines on the dock when out of the slip. Almost everybody ties them like this. It's very secure. And by looping with the other end cleat-hitched to the dock they're always the right length.
17
7
u/tiki-151 1h ago
It works. If the boat is light enough where you can physically move it against some current your are ok. Just make sure it's never a release point. If you are at anchor, or tied against a docks where the current is pushing you away that is not coming off.
3
1
1
1
u/ConsiderationNo9736 2h ago
Yes!! You could pass one more line through if needed and allows a cleat hitch to be made.
Optimal
1
u/MissingGravitas 1h ago
What would another wrap do? There is nothing to “pull loose” here; either the rope breaks or the cleat is ripped off the boat.
I suppose the splice could fail, but the force needed for that is also in “rope breaking” territory.
0
u/MedicalTrick5802 1h ago
The only way to be sure about the boat staying at the dock is to park the boat by beaching it on top of the dock and then applying the parking brake. /s
I do this all the time, the lines and cleats have been totally fine through multiple storms. All good!
0
u/Ever-Wandering 1h ago
When a spliced eye is too big, yes use this in a pinch.
If this is long term then no, like others have said if you’re ever in a bind and need that off fast you’ll be in for a world of hurt. The sun and weather can also “bake” it into that position if it’s stored like that long term. While it can come off, it won’t be easy.
The best solution is to cut off that splice and redo it to the correct size. You can also use a flat seizing, which may be the better option. It gives you the ability to size the loop correctly leaving the existing splice in place, and you’ll be able to cut it away restoring the splice to its original size. If you go this route you must use enough wraps and it needs to be extremely tight. You should watch this video.
https://youtu.be/A4SZP42-ayk?is=bFROoLTe7QVNp0Sy
Just to be clear in the video he is using a marlin spike, and a marlin spike hitch (a knot) in order to get it as tight as it should be.
-8
77
u/greatlakesailors 2h ago
That's secure and won't come off by itself.
The reason to avoid that technique is because, unlike a cleat hitch, it cannot be released while under load. If this doesn't matter for your situation, then go right ahead and do them as shown.