What is the Lighterman's Hitch used for?

Securing a tow line to a bitt or mooring post on boats; Holding heavy loads that need to be released quickly under tension; Tying off to a capstan or winch in port operations; Temporarily securing a boat to a sturdy shoreline post; Controlling the gradual release of a hoisted or tensioned load.

How do you tie the Lighterman's Hitch?

The Lighterman's Hitch is a hitch tied around a post, bollard, or bitt to secure heavy towing loads. Its great virtue is letting you release the line easily even under enormous tension, without jamming. It isn't a knot in the usual sense: the holding power comes from the turns around the fixed point, not from a tight interlacing. Follow the illustrated step-by-step, with a photo for every stage, on Desbravai.

Is the Lighterman's Hitch hard to tie?

The Lighterman's Hitch is rated medium, in the Hitches category and is taught with a photo at every stage on Desbravai.

What precautions apply when using the Lighterman's Hitch?

Depends on a firm, strong anchor point (bitt, sturdy post); a weak support compromises everything; Needs enough friction: take plenty of turns before locking the last bight, or it may slip under load; Doesn't replace certified towing equipment in large-scale operations.

Lighterman's Hitch

Q: What other names does the Lighterman's Hitch have?

It is also known as Lighterman's Hitch, Tugboat Hitch, Backhanded Mooring Hitch, Towboat Hitch, Vuelta de remolque, Nudo de remolcador, Volta de rebocador, Amarração de reboque. (ABOK #2046)

Secures a heavy tow to a post or bollard and releases under load without jamming

Also called: Lighterman's Hitch, Tugboat Hitch, Backhanded Mooring Hitch, Towboat Hitch, Vuelta de remolque, Nudo de remolcador, Volta de rebocador, Amarração de reboque · ABOK #2046

What it is for

Securing a tow line to a bitt or mooring post on boats
Holding heavy loads that need to be released quickly under tension
Tying off to a capstan or winch in port operations
Temporarily securing a boat to a sturdy shoreline post
Controlling the gradual release of a hoisted or tensioned load