Highwayman's Hitch
How to tie the Highwayman's Hitch. The Highwayman's Hitch can be used as a temporary mooring knot for a small boat or to tether an animal. The standing part of the rope takes the load while the working end is tied to slip free with a tug.
It is similar to the Mooring Hitch
The Highwayman's Hitch is not a safe knot for any type of human load as it can be released or slip accidentally!
Scroll to see Animated Highwayman's Hitch Knot below the illustration and tying instructions.
HIGHWAYMAN'S HITCH Knot Tying Instructions
- Double line to make the first bight in the rope and place bight behind post, rail or spar.
- Make a second bight in the standing line and pass that bight through the first bight. Give a little pull on the working end to tighten down on the second bight and hold it in place.
- Take the working (which should be longer than it appears in the accompanying illustration) and make a third bight.
- Pass the third bight through second and pull on the standing line to tighten the knot.
- The knot holds with tension on the standing part and can be released with a tug on the working end.
