Cow Hitch - Dual-write transcript
Welcome to Silent Knots. In this lesson we tie the cow hitch.
What you need
A ring, rail, or spar and a line that must choke down without a free end (or with a bight).
Step-by-step
- Pass a bight through the ring or around the spar.
- Open the bight and drop it over the standing parts so the hitch chokes on itself.
- Dress the hitch snug against the ring; both legs should share load evenly.
- For a cow hitch with ends, pass both ends around and back through so the hitch sits flat.
Voice-over summary
The cow hitch (lark's head) is a quick choke hitch. It is easy to tie and easy to mis-dress - under cyclic load it can work loose if the ring is smooth.
Common mistakes
- Leaving slack in one leg - the hitch walks and dumps load onto one side.
- Using it as a permanent mooring finish - prefer a cleat hitch or bowline to a ring.
- Ignoring chafe on stainless rings - inspect after a windy night.
Uses on board
Fender lines, soft attachments to rings, temporary tags, and teaching how a choked bight behaves under load.
FairHelm limit
FairHelm judgment: fine for fenders and temporary tags. Not your primary dock-line finish when the boat can surge.
Common questions
Cow hitch or clove hitch for fenders?
Both work. Cow hitch is fast on a rail; clove hitch is often easier to adjust height. Check chafe either way.
Can I moor with a cow hitch overnight?
Prefer a cleat hitch or a bowline to a ring with a proper lead. Cow hitch can creep on smooth fittings.
Next step after this knot?
Continue on the Silent Knots hub, then safety on board and yacht academy.
Transcript for FairHelm Silent Knots · Cow Hitch (YouTube 'njbPUWHktQM'). Watch the video for silent visual steps. Related: academy yacht guides · safety on board · Art of Sailing.