High Performance MPX Foil/Self-righting Trimaran-The Test Model

MPX Test Model

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Hoyt, what do you mean by that exactly? The key to making it simple is to not have to tension the line/wire everytime the boat is used. Are you suggesting tying some sort of hitch each time?

 

It can be adjusted in the field without having to untie it. If the boat is dis-assembled for transport from the field the hitch would have to be re-tied once per outing.

 

not so bad, you do not have to wrap so many windings around it. Only use a couple of wraps and than tie it off with a clove hitch, until you find the correct adjustment. than wrap the whole knot to make it look nice for the pictures.

Taut-line hitch is another option, though not quite as slick looking.

There are a number of creative knots you can use that would be very light and simple. Spend too much time looking through hardware catalogs it is easy to forget that none of that fancy and costly hardware was available a few short years ago. All of the rigging adjustment needs were done with knots and lashings, not hardware.

 

MPX Test Model

Thanks, guys! I appreciate the ideas... I used to be real good at a lot of knots but I'm limited right now to remembering a square knot, clove hitch and my all time favorite, the bowline. But you've given me food for thought and I'm going to work on the idea of doing this with line only-no metal.

 

I frequently use taut line hitch. It has never failed me.

 

MPX Test Model

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Thanks for the picture on the Wiki article. I'll play with it-looks neat...

 

that is the "new" way to tie it. I learned to do it this way in Boy Scouts 44 years ago. the knot is a little more tidy. I wonder if one way holds better than the other, I should try it.

 

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Thanks, Petros I'll try it both ways, I guess....

 

Did the hitches do the job for you?

 

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Hoyt, the knot seemed to slip under lots of load. I used 3/8" dacron mainsheet line to try tying it. So I tightened the knot a lot the put it under load and it didn't slip at all, but was easy to adjust by hand. Remarkable!

my knot on left:

 

Although in my experience the main friction is generated by the first round turn around the standing part, you can easily add more turns for increased slip resistance before finishing with the half hitch.

 

MPX Test Model

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Thanks for the tip!

 

Like Petros I've been using the rolling hitch tied on itself for probably 40 years as a simple way to have a temporary adjustable tackle, like a kicking strap, a preventer, even to hold fenders in position.

So I'm surprised you hadn't used it before now

Obviously the idea behind the knot is to force a bend in the rope so that it doesn't slip. So I have found that having the round turn part of the knot on the load side works best as it bends the rope more

I'd have posted earlier, but I've been catamaran sailing in Greece (in fact I still am in Greece, at Delphi to be precise)

Richard Woods of Woods Designs

www.sailingcatamarans.com

 

I thought knot tying was one of the basic skills for all sailors, isn't it taught anymore? Or have most sailors just assume some costly piece of hardware would be better?

I learned to tie all kinds of fun knots in Boy Scouts, and than have used them all my life. Many in life threatening situations, like when I used to do a lot of recreational big wall climbing in Yosemite Valley. I still use them on my small boats, and for lashing things to the roof of my car, such as skis, kayaks, luggage, bicycles, etc. I have always used the taughtline hitch with good effect and it has never failed. all you need is a line, and you can make it adjustable length, no hardware required.

I think we have been trained by the hardware companies to think that their hardware is what is necessary to make a boat viable.

 

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Thanks ,Richard. I grew up on the water and racing sailboats from age 12-27 intensely and infrequently since. But I've always been involved with boatbuilding and sailing and not once in all those experiences did I ever run across this knot until Hoyt brought it up! Seems like it has lots of uses and I find it incredible that I never ran across it......
Petros, I was in the Boy Scouts too-and never saw this knot-neither did my brother or anyone we sailed with as best I can tell.