Monkeysfist.com
What is a Monkeys Fist ? |
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It is a knot added
to the end of a light-line or heaving line. This knot usually incorporates a
small stone or similar weight, to allow the end of the line to travel farther
when being thrown. When approaching a jetty or another vessel, sailors will
throw a heaving line, to establish a link with the shore or other boat. The
heaving line can be easily thrown a distance of 20 m (60 feet) or more. One
end of the heaving line is then secured to a heavier line, or hawser, which
is pulled across and used for towing or securing. |
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The Monkeys
Fist is traditionally tied on the end of the heaving line, optionally with a
small weight being inserted within the knot, prior to final tightening. This
makes the heaving line easy to throw, by carefully coiling the length of heaving
line in one hand, and throwing it in a side-arm manner, making sure to hold
on to the free end of the heaving line. |
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Alternatively,
the Monkeys Fist knot can be finished off with a short loop of rope. This
will allow it to be easily attached to some twine or other light rope as
required. For example, it could be used while wilderness
camping, to assist in getting a strong rope over a high tree branch, so that
your food bag can be hung out of reach of animals. |