Marine Heaving Lines & Monkey's Fist Knots

About

:::: Marine Heaving Line FAQ's Have a question or special request? Please contact Ed Morris In basic terms, what is a heaving line and how is it used? A heaving line is a length of rope that has been configured for ease of throwing, sometimes long distances across the water. It is normally attached to, and used for sending, a much heavier line across the open distance between a vessel and a pier, or sometimes between two vessels. The most common application is for docking. For example, whereas it can be difficult to toss a heavy 40' line to the dock attendant on a breezy day, it is quite easy to send the heaving line in those same conditions. Once the dock attendant has received the end of the heaving line, he simply uses it to "pull" the heavy dockline line to himself so that it can be made off to a piling or cleat in the usual way. Heavy Duty Heaving Line with Monkey's Fist Knot by Morris & Barth (SHIPCANVAS) Do I need a heaving line? In the example above, the obvious alternative would be to pilot the vessel close enough to the pier so that her docklines can be handed or passed over a shorter, more manageable distance. But this would be assuming it can be done safely, without crashing the dock or other nearby boats. So the question of whether or not to use a heaving line is truly a matter of scale. The larger (or less maneuverable) the vessel... and/or the longer (or heavier; stiffer) her docklines... and/or the less favorable the wind and current... then the safer and more prudent it becomes to stand off a bit (keep some distance from the pier) and toss a heaving line. Which length is best? It depends on how the heaving line will be used, as there might be several factors involved, including the anticipated need for 'range' and the size and maneuverability of the vessel itself. Generally, most small-craft and recreational vessels are maneuverable enough in close quarter docking situations, and probably won't need to use a heaving line very often. One exceptio

On-page SEO