Tag Archives: marlinespike skills

Making Pelican Hook Lanyards & Key Fobs

Posted on May 19, 2014 by captnmike

You can save money by making your own colorful Pelican Hook / Shackle Lanyards.  They are quick and easy to make and you can pick your own colors. Key Fobs make great Christmas and Birthday gifts for your non sailing … Continue reading →

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Improved Fender Whip–Part 2

Posted on April 30, 2014 by captnmike

This improved Fender Whip is easier to handle and holds knots much better than a regular three strand or double braid fender whip. Standard fender whips made of three strand or double braid are stiffer and over time become even … Continue reading →

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How to Tie a Spilled Hitch Bowline

Posted on April 9, 2014 by captnmike

Tying a Bowline using the Spilled Hitch method is a quick and easy, but not a well know way to tie a Bowline. The Spilled Hitch Bowline can be used to quickly tie a Bowline around an object or through the … Continue reading →

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Three Stopper Knots

Posted on August 21, 2013 by captnmike

Here are three different stopper knots for use on your sailboat. The Figure Eight Stopper Knot is probably the most popular Stopper Knot in use, named as it looks like a Figure 8, it’s in every sailing book. The Figure … Continue reading →

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Washing Your Sheets, Halyards and Lines

Posted on June 4, 2013 by captnmike

Washing the lines and halyard that have been exposed to the elements over the winter is one of my spring rites of getting the boat ready for another sailing season. Washing lines can make them easier to handle, extend their … Continue reading →

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How to Tie Your Boat to a Dock that has a Bull Rail – Part 2

Posted on August 9, 2012 by captnmike

This is a quick and easy way to tie a boat to a dock that has a Bull Rail.  This was passed on last week by a friend. Some docks only have a Bull Rail so being able to properly … Continue reading →

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How to Tie Your Boat to a Dock that has a Bull Rail – Part 1

Posted on August 6, 2012 by captnmike

Tying a boat to  the Bull Rail on a dock is a commonly required docking skill that is often done the hard way.   Many docks don’t have cleats,  the cleats are not in a convenient location or a cleat might … Continue reading →

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Marking Your Halyards

Posted on June 8, 2012 by captnmike

Many people put adjusting marks on  their halyards or other control lines to help with sail trim by making it quick and easy to repeat settings they have found to work with  given conditions in the past.    A big black … Continue reading →

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