Hot Boats & Watercraft How-Tos
How To: Tie a Bowline Knot for boaters
The boaters at BoatUS know that the bowline knot can be one of the hardest knots for new boat owners to learn. In this instructional knot tying video, Matt and Ann demonstrate how to tie a bowline and talk about its common uses. Know your knots and learn how to tie a bowline knot with this boating tutorial video.
How To: Tie a clove hitch
What happens when you arrive at a dock and can't find a cleat to tie your boat onto? Matt and Ann of BoatUS demonstrate how to tie your boat to a piling using a clove hitch. Know your knots by learning how to tie a clove hitch with this instructional knot tying video.
How To: Save fuel while boating
Want to get the most from a tank of gas in your boat? This how-to video from Boat U.S. offers some tips for boaters on how to save fuel. Make sure not to carry around extra weight and to keep your boat in top condition. Watch this video boating tutorial and learn how to save some gas.
How To: Tie a bowline knot
Some of the towers demonstrate how they tie knots at this year's conference. In this instructional tying video, Bill Walsh ties a bowline knot. Practice and improve your knot tying skills by watching this tutorial and learn how to tie a bowline knot like an expert.
How To: Tie a cleat hitch for boating
Check out this instructional boating video that demonstrates how to tie a cleat hitch for boating. This is a type of hitch used to tie a line to a cleat. All you have to do is make one full turn then a figure 8 with the last turn reversed and you've got your cleat hitch tied. Learn how to tie a cleat hitch or a cleat knot with this boating tutorial video and keep your boat secure to a dock.
How To: Tie the heaving line knot for boating
Check out this instructional boating video that demonstrates how to tie the heaving line knot for boating. Animations are the best way to learn to tie a knot. Just follow the simple steps outlined in this instructional fishing video and learn how to tie a heaving line knot. Start reeling in the big fish! Tie the heaving line knot for boating.
How To: Tie the running bowline knot for boating
Check out this instructional boating video that demonstrates how to tie the running bowline knot for boating. Animations are the best way to learn to tie a knot. Just follow the simple steps outlined in this instructional fishing video and learn how to tie a running bowline knot. Start reeling in the big fish! Tie the running bowline knot for boating.
How To: Jet ski safely
Check out this tutorial jet ski video that provides several safety tips on riding your personal water craft with caution. Personal Water Craft (PWC), also called Jet Skis and Wave Runners, are the fastest growing watercraft on the waterways. Along with their popularity has come increasing numbers of injuries and deaths. Commander Tom Martin of the U.S. Coast guard says riders need to follow the rules of the road, as well as wear life jackets and have other safety equipment on board. John Birk...
How To: Tie the trucker's hitch knot for boating
Learn how to tie the trucker's hitch knot. The trucker's hitch knot is one of those boating knots that once you learn it, you wonder how you ever got along without it! Use this knot to cinch down a load on you car top, boat, horseback, you name it. This combination of knots allows the line to be pulled tight as a guitar string. Tie off one end of rope. Lay rope over load to be tied down. Tie a slippery half hitch knot in the middle of the line to form a small loop. With the free end make a tu...
How To: Tie the mooring hitch knot for boating
The mooring hitch knot for boating is a more secure knot than the better known (and easier to tie) slippery hitch boating knot. The mooring hitch knot holds fast while under tension yet can be released quickly with a tug on the free end. Despite it's name, this is a temporary boating knot and not to be trusted to moor a boat or anything else of value! Hope this knot tying instructional video helps you perfect your mooring hitch boating knot. Enjoy! Tie the mooring hitch knot for boating.
How To: Tie the monkey's fist boating knot
There are often requests for the Monkey’s Fist (or Paw) Knot so here it is! Watch this instructional knot tying video to learn how to tie your own perfect monkey's fist boating knot. The key to tying the monkey's fist knot successfully is to have a small ball or core to insert into the knot before tightening it up. The core must match the size of the knot - which is dependent on the size of the rope being used - for the knot to finish right. Some trial and error is to be expected when first t...
How To: Tie the rolling hitch knot for boating
Watch this instructional video to learn how to perfect your rolling hitch knot for boating. The rolling hitch knot is a secure and easy to tie method of fastening a rope to a post. The rolling hitch knot holds firmly in the direction of the standing line. Not for use by climbers though, just boaters! Pass this helpful knot tying tip along to your friends. Tie the rolling hitch knot for boating.
How To: Tie the slip knot for boating
This version of the slip knot is basically a uni knot tied with rope and with just one or two wraps around the double line. It does the trick and is easy to tie.
How To: Tie the slipped buntline knot for boating
Learn how to do this quick release version of the slipped buntline boating knot. It allows the loop to be released with a tug of the tag end. This instructional diagram is helpful for boaters interested in mastering the slipped bluntline knot. Tie the slipped buntline knot for boating.
How To: Tie the square knot for boating
Watch out for this popular knot - the square knot for boating. It is including here as much as to warn you of its pitfalls as to show the proper way to tie it! The square knot is an easy to tie knot that is good for securing non-critical items. It should not be trusted to join two ropes together or to hold down something that absolutely has to stay put. This knot will capsize or jam under load and will also untie itself under movement. This knot tying instructional animation will help you hon...
How To: Tie the figure eight knot for boating or paddling
The figure eight follow through boating knot is one of the strongest knots. (also can be used for paddling). It is generally rated at 70% - 75% of rope strength. Due to it's strength and the fact that it is easy to visually inspect, it is commonly used by climbers as their "tie-in knot" - the knot that connects the climber to the rope. It forms a secure non-slip loop at the end of a rope. For even greater security, finish the tag end with a backup knot such as one side of the double fisherman...
How To: Tie the double fisherman's knot for boating
Watch this boating instructional video to learn how to tie the double fisherman's knot. The double fisherman's knot securely ties two ropes together or can be used to tie the ends of rope or cord together to form the loops. Another use for this knot is to make another baoting knot more secure by tying this knot with the tag end of the rope behind another boating knot, a practice common to mountain climbers. In that case, you are effectively tying one half of the double fisherman's boating kno...
How To: Tie the constrictor knot for boating
Watch this instructional video to learn how to tie the constrictor boating knot. This is a useful boating knot to tie up loose materials or the ends of bags. Simple to tie, it grips itself and will not work loose. The constrictor knot is also known as the miller's knot or the bag knot. Tie the constrictor knot for boating.
How To: Tie the clove hitch knot for boating
Watch this instructional video on tying boat knots, specifically the clove hitch boating knot. This is a simple all purpose hitch. Easy to tie and untie, it holds firmly but is not totally secure. Make a turn around a post with the free end running underneath the standing part. Take a second turn around in the same direction and feed the free end through the eye of the second turn. Pull the clove hitch knot tight. Voila! Now you know how to tie the boating knot known as the clove hitch knot. ...
How To: Tie the buntline hitch boating knot
Use this knot (buntline hitch boating knot) to fasten items such as snaps and rings to rope or cord. It forms a small, neat and very reliable boating knot. Not to be used however, for tying into a climbing rope. Watch this boating knot tying video tutorial for helpful tips. Pass the end of the rope through the shackle, then back up across the standing part. Make a turn around the standing line, forming a loop with the shackle at the base of the loop. Bring the free end across tops of both par...
How To: Tie the anchor bend knot for boating
The Anchor Bend is the boating knot generally used to fasten a line to an anchor. The free end should be secured with seizing to the standing line for a permanent, secure knot. One side of a Double Fisherman’s also makes a good backup knot to this and any knot. Make two turns around the shackle, leaving turns open. Talk a half turn around the standing line and feed the free end through the turns and pull tight. Now tie a half hitch around the standing part and pull tight. Seize the free end o...
How To: Tie the albright fishing knot
Check out this instructional fishing video that demonstrates how to tie the Albright knot. Just follow the simple instructions outlined in this boating tutorial and learn how to tie an Albright fishing knot. Knot tying is a breeze with this video. Start practicing and reel in the big fish!
How To: Tie the no name fishing knot
Check out this instructional fishing video that demonstrates how to tie the No Name knot. Just follow the simple instructions outlined in this boating tutorial and learn how to tie a No Name fishing knot. Knot tying is a breeze with this video. Start practicing and reel in the big fish!
How To: Tie the nail fishing knot
Check out this instructional fishing video that demonstrates how to tie the Nail knot. Just follow the simple instructions outlined in this boating tutorial and learn how to tie the nail fishing knot. Knot tying is a breeze with this video. Start practicing and reel in the big fish!
How To: Tie the palomar fishing knot
Check out this instructional fishing video that demonstrates how to tie a Palomar knot. Just follow the simple instructions outlined in this fishing tutorial and learn how to tie a Palomar fishing knot. Knot tying is a breeze with this video. Start practicing and reel in the big fish!
How To: Tie the bowline knot
Check out this instructional knot tying video that demonstrates how to tie the Bowline knot. The bowline is an exceptionally versatile knot. It is quick to tie (once you practice), doesn't slip and doesn't jam. Just follow the simple instructions outlined in this boating tutorial and learn how to tie a Bowline knot. Knot tying is a breeze with this video. Start practicing and reel in the big fish!
How To: Tie the cleat knot easily
Check out this instructional knot tying video that demonstrates how to tie a cleat knot. Learn how to tie off your boat at the dock. Just follow the simple instructions outlined in this boating tutorial and learn how to tie a Cleat Knot. Knot tying is a breeze with this video. Start practicing and reel in the big fish!
How To: Tie the perfection loop fishing knot easily
Check out this instructional fishing video that demonstrates how to tie the Perfection Loop knot. Just follow the simple instructions outlined in this fishing tutorial and learn how to tie a Perfection Loop fishing knot. Knot tying is a breeze with this video. Start practicing and reel in the big fish!
How To: Tie the Jansik special fishing knot
Check out this instructional fishing video that demonstrates how to tie the Jansik Special knot. Just follow the simple instructions outlined in this fishing tutorial and learn how to tie a Jansik Special fishing knot. Knot tying is a breeze with this video. Start practicing and reel in the big fish!
How To: Tie the clove hitch knot
Check out this instructional knot tying video that demonstrates how to tie a Clove Hitch knot. You can tie a clove hitch to a stanchion when you can't reach the top. Just follow the simple instructions outlined in this tutorial and learn how to tie a Clove Hitch knot. Knot tying is a breeze with this video. Start practicing and reel in the big fish!
How To: Tie the dropper loop fishing knot
Check out this instructional fishing video that demonstrates how to tie the Dropper Loop knot. Just follow the simple instructions outlined in this fishing tutorial and learn how to tie a Dropper Loop fishing knot. Knot tying is a breeze with this video. Start practicing and reel in the big fish!
How To: Tie the big game loop fishing knot
Check out this instructional fishing video that demonstrates how to tie the Big Game Loop knot. Just follow the simple instructions outlined in this fishing tutorial and learn how to tie a Big Game fishing knot. Knot tying is a breeze with this video. Start practicing and reel in the big fish!
How To: Tie a non slip mono loop fishing knot
Check out this instructional fishing video that demonstrates how to tie the Non Slip Mono Loop knot. Just follow the simple instructions outlined in this fishing tutorial and learn how to tie a Non Slip Mono Loop fishing knot. Knot tying is a breeze with this video. Start practicing and reel in the big fish!
How To: Tie the duncan loop knot
Check out this instructional fishing video that demonstrates how to tie the Duncan Loop knot. Just follow the simple instructions outlined in this fishing tutorial and learn how to tie a Duncan Loop fishing knot. Knot tying is a breeze with this video. Start practicing and reel in the big fish!
How To: Tie the round turn 2 half hitches knot
Check out this instructional knot tying video that demonstrates how to tie the Round Turn Two Half Hitches knot. This video also illustrates how easy it is to remove this knot. Just follow the simple instructions outlined in this fishing tutorial and learn how to tie a Round Turn 2 Half Hitches knot. Start practicing and reel in the big fish!
How To: Tie a haywire twist fishing knot
Check out this instructional fishing video that demonstrates how to tie the haywire twist fishing knot. Just follow the simple instructions outlined in this fishing tutorial and learn how to tie a Haywire Twist fishing knot. Start practicing and reel in the big fish!
How To: Tie a sheet bend & a double sheet bend
Check out this instructional knot tying video that demonstrates how to tie the Sheet Bend and a Double Sheet Bend knot. This knot is often considered one of the most essential knots. Just follow the simple instructions outlined in this boating tutorial video and learn how to tie a Sheet Bend knot.
How To: Clean a boat with a pressure washer
Boats look great in the water, but take them out and you’ll often find build-ups of algae and other invasive aquatic species. A pressure washer can help keep your boat looking its best – in and out of the water. Watch this how-to video to learn how to clean your boat with a pressure washer. Clean a boat with a pressure washer.
How To: Build a carbon spinnaker pole
This instructional video teaches how to make a carbon spinnaker pole. Learn how to make your own spinnaker pole for sailing both dinghies and yachts.
How To: Tie a bowline knot on a canoe
This video shows you how to tie a bowline knot, usually used when using a canoe.