How to tie a proper Bowline knot

Shipwright Louis Sauzedde shows us a few ways to tie a Bowline as well as the many different uses of this famous knot. Subscribe to our channel for more wooden boat building and marine how-to videos. Brought to you by Jamestown Distributors bit.ly/1ewFz6g
Watch more at www.tipsfromashipwright.com
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[@thomassmith7499]

My father was a chief boatswains mate (bosun) during WWII and used to teach me all kinds of knots as a kid. I found myself smiling while watching. Was rite there next to him again.!! Thank you.!!

[@TipsfromaShipwrightvideos]

Thanks to everyone who came from Reddit - redd.it/20mozi

[@Toph.Beifong.]

Tried watching 2 videos prior to this on how to do this, and this was the only one that made sense to me. thanks!

[@stephenmetsch6316]

That is the BEST demo of a bowline I have ever seen.

[@kaooabunga]

You are right! I was going to post the same comment! I've seen many videos of it, but this one is very well and comprehensively explained!

[@Survivalinformation1]

Agree with you Enrique and Stephen..... BEST video of the bowline I have ever seen..... Hats off to you Louis !!!!

[@neil2385]

until you can tie in 1.5 secs with your eyes closed you haven't truly mastered it. He has, I have and so have many others

[@jiujiu]

absolutely agree. the rabbit method has seared it into my mind. thank you

[@raymondgoodman9148]

best everrrr 🏴‍☠️

[@jeffphillipssr4239]

As an amateur with woodworker, i typically feel overpowered with the entire arrangement kzbin.infoUgkxrYREG3-7f1Aqk9ams3ZESRNzGnfdUtyQ . Be that as it may, this arrangements drove me through with much clarity and effortlessness woodplans. Works i now work like a genius. That is great!

[@curiouskarl5485]

learning about knots from the Most New England Man of all time

[@danielwilson6096]

I've been a deckhand, now tankerman/steersman, for years aboard inland tugs and thought I knew bowlines pretty well. This demo is excellent and taught me some knew tricks. The partially prepared bowline for an approach scenario blew my mind and I can see how useful this would be as a tankerman while landing on old docks with broken cavels, timberheads, etc. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and I will be sure to pass it along. Kudos!

[@JohnSwampthingRae]

Aye, that one is called the "Lightning Bowline" works really good... We used to use to to impress Tourists, as we moored to a Piling...

[@breenhue]

Daniel Wilson Have a look how I tie a bowline..

[@professormoptop]

Daniel I feel you. I worked for ACBL for a few years and that last bowline would be perfect for some River scenerios

[@BadDadio]

I’ve been practicing this method since I saw this video. I’m not a seaman but tie a lot of loads in my truck while hauling.

[@davidkruse3988]

That was awesome prepared bowline

[@seattlebeard]

There is something powerfully attractive about a man who excellent skills. I could watch this guy for hours.

[@Adipatus]

This is one of the best knot tying videos I've ever seen.

[@clarencetaylor7455]

Beats most any wedding video

[@user-qk1cx6gs2z]

Liked AND subscribed!! My cousin was married a life-long merchant marine in Maine. (Bob) Bob taught us to tie a ""seamans simple bowline".... it only takes about 1½ to 2 seconds. [Perfect for emergencies] It has been 23years since that family reunion on the Susquehanna River. I tested myself last year and discovered that I have forgotten the technique/ procedure. It starts w/looping several feet of rope around my back,then throw the short end spinning around the long (attached to the ship) end......that's all I can recall. I do regret working so diligently to destroy my short term memory! {Crap! It worked}

[@Clyde6frame]

I sent this video to my friend Doug. He said it changed his life.

[@FrederickDunn]

I could not be more impressed! You, Sir, are a Master Knotsman! Every sailor should know his/her way around small-work and mooring lines! Working with lines underwater in very limited visibility requires lots of drills on dry land. THANK YOU! New Subscriber!

[@FrederickDunn]

Were you ever a Boatswain's Mate? :)

[@ieeaswaran]

Indeed, impressive this gent is -- from the confidence with which he speaks right to that fantastic voice.

[@RobGibbonsW]

I would love to see more knots from Louis. I really enjoy his manner of teaching. The camera work & editing also do a great job.

[@MrAquinas1]

I was a utility lineman for ten years and had to use a bowline many times. I wish I had your lesson from day one. It would have saved me a lot of time.

[@CootShooter]

This has to be one of the best explanations of the bowline I've seen yet. It shows several different ways to tie (including my favorite where you create the bite and let the knot collapse into a bowline). Really really good video. Thanks.

[@25kmgb]

Ok the way you demonstrate just feels right, it’s a fluid natural movement with the wrist. Thank you. It’s my favorite technique so far.

[@MekicevicaSV]

Brilliant! Thank-you very much for the instruction. This side of the pond, the two ways of tying the bowline are called the Flemish way and the Portuguese way. I like that because I am Portuguese living in Flanders...

[@classixdrummer]

I have sailed for some 50 years and have never understood the bowline so completely. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience. You have a new subscriber in me.

[@okstes]

*Hello there, I have requested your DVDs, for simpler and quicker approach to manufacture a shed **Allmy.Tips** I trust the substance are as you guaranteed it will be. Just I'm worried with the substance, it won't be anything but difficult to settle on a decision from the various plans.*

[@pscheung206]

1:55 I love this shortcut! It really helped me eliminate the mistake of making the loop in the wrong direction. Thanks for showing the tying technique from two camera angles too.

[@programmer1356]

1:46 to 1:55 Very nice demo

[@DouglasGross6022]

Please share as much of your knowledge of knots as you can! You have made the best video about the bowline that I've ever seen. Thank you!

[@jamesiler7779]

Ditto that!

[@margaretsnead30]

**5g*v66"mnnhgg.".

[@peterfischer4977]

Fishing spinnerbait at night

[@DouglasGross6022]

@@margaretsnead30 I'm having a little trouble understanding you. Could you speak up a bit?

[@Faesharlyn]

@@DouglasGross6022 that's Margaret's cat, allow me to translate? "I approve the use of cordage for this purpose, please purrform a continue"

[@wreckoningday]

Man this is by far the best video on tying a bowline. I'd love to see you do some more videos on knots. Thanks for sharing your knowledge

[@JimHausch]

That last bowline trick was super cool. I also did not know about the sheet bend / cowboy style issue. Thanks for teaching me something new. I’d always thought the bowline was the knot and the bowline with the loop was a bowline on a bight. I like to tell people the two most useful things about the bowline are: 1) the loop won’t cinch up on you 2) no matter how long it’s been tied and no matter how much tension it’s been under, you can “break its back” and untie it.* *You take the loop around the standing part of the line (the loop that was the rabbit’s route) and bend it towards the standing line. Love this series. Learning so much.

[@matthewc.ganong5497]

Thank you for this great demonstration of the bowline and it's sister the sheet bend, with the various tying methods and tips. These two knots are two of the most useful of all time

[@chrisoakleyfx]

I could listen to this man talk about knots and bowlines all day long :D Great tips!

[@oo0Spyder0oo]

Great demo and the replays up close are awesome, one of the best rope tying explanations.

[@jofido]

Lou is just a wealth of knowledge and experience. Tremendous teacher. Thank you.

[@marklyons1541]

Just came across this site - this guy is awesome! Amazing MASTER craftsman.

[@paskmo]

Hands down this is the best, most fun, engaging way to demonstrate a Bowline! I want to be Louis when I grow up.

[@braticuss]

I've been tying these for years...never thought I'd learn a new way after this long. That was great.

[@popaabert]

Mr. Sauzedde you are are a very fine instructor. I am not building a boat but you have thought me hundreds of new building ideas. I am an instructor and I will always sit and listen to you. Thank you very much.

[@luxorbill269]

I'm sorry but can Lou get more fascinating? Every video I watch I learn something plus his voice is hypnotic. His woodworking vids are great! Thank you.

[@RayPereda68]

This is one of the best videos in all of KZbin. I will watch it 10 times.

[@williamkelly25id]

Awesome video! After 5 minutes of practice during your video I feel much more confident tying a bowline quickly. Thanks!

[@stettan1]

Best analysis of the bowlines different methods of tying and its relationship with the sheet bend. Awesome demonstration of how dangerous the left-handed sheet bend is. Notice how he flips the end of the rope directly on top of the "rabbit hole". It would be a neat trick to flip it INTO the hole.

[@hawksandowlscom]

This is the best Bowline tying video I've ever seen! I'm a riverman on Michigan's Grand River, and I want this guy for a neighbor!

[@lvvry1855]

What a treat it is to watch a master of anything! Lou proves to be the Master of Knots.

[@katerankin7134]

Finally I get the bowline THANK YOU so much. and the sheet bend/bowline trick is so useful. Excellent video, excellent demo, excellent production 👏

[@gunner678]

Great video. I was taught knots by a Royal Engineer (I'm a gunner) and that was a superb demonstration of a bowline and a slip knot. Very easy to mix up. Great video.

[@SkyKing101010]

I guess this is one of those new things you learn every day. Thank you.

[@magnificentmuttley2084]

Wonderful informative and instructional video, delivered by a man you just know you can trust to give you good advice. I could watch this wonderful man all day and never tire of it. One of the very best knot-tying videos I’ve ever seen. Thank you Louis. Best regards from the Giant’s Causeway Coast of Northern Ireland. 😀👍☘️

[@Benny1581]

This is an amazing demonstration from a person who truly understands the subject matter. No pretense... no fluff. Just what you need to know, simple and concise.

[@longbeachboy57]

When I started to work as a sailor on a commercial vessel, I proudly displayed my knowledge of how to make a bowline, the cub scout way. (I did not know it was the cub scout way). My older colleagues had a good laugh and then showed me how a sailor does it. Exactly how shipwright Louis Sauzedde explain in this video :-)

[@larryteague871]

Glad to see you are still at it. Keep on sharing your skills boss man

[@awasthiatul51]

Best Demo for tying a bowline Sir, very lucid style, easy to understand. Thank you very much for sharing.

[@bombardier3qtrlbpsi]

I was taught that knot years ago and others at a disaster services course. Winching out a truck one time and the tail chain broke on the cable. So I tied a bowline with cable and pulled out the truck. Untied the bowline and went n my merry way. Who ever invented that knot is a genius! Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the bowline. Nice job 👍

[@jupitersailing]

I'd love to have Louis's skills and lifestyle. He comes across as a very contented seafarer with comprehensive wooden boat skills, something with which most people visiting here would possibly concur.

[@WillN2Go1]

Thanks again. A few years ago I learned Louis's pre-tied bowline from the last part of this video. I've used it ever since. I had to practice it many many times over a few weeks, but now as all good knots should be learned I can do it automatically. This also avoids making a cowboy-bowline. Though I may never have had a cowboy-bowline slip on me... it's just good practice to do it right for all uses. On a video I watched a couple of days ago, 5 best knots something like that. knot number one: bowline...but he tied a cowboy.

[@lexconor8498]

There just ain't no substitute for wisdom from experience. Please keep sharing your talent!

[@aex-blacksmithuk2111]

Wonderful! Best bowline demo video I have seen to date!

[@richroc7]

Excellent video thank you 🙏. You showed the replay, went at an easy pace, spoke clearly and used a good thickness rope.

[@ammoalamo6485]

Three cheers for a clear and clever bowline vid. I'll be looking for more.

[@felixthecrazy]

Just found this channel and it's awesome!

[@frank1672]

You're a natural teacher. Thanks.

[@davidm1922]

This guy is a knotting wizard. Great video for learning!

[@wowandrss]

Anything this guy shows seems to be interesting! Very fun to watch.

[@harryrissik3310]

That last technique in particular blew my mind! Thanks for the lesson!

[@gabrielshepard]

That last bowline was very neat how it rolled over ! I work in concert production so this and a clovehitch are our go to knots

[@gregsavige3587]

Louis, I love your knowledge and craftmanship. Thanks for this tutorial on the bowline. Good on ya mate ✌

[@eddiejohnston1853]

You, sir, are a pro! Excellent video!

[@KMURRAY1841]

that last one was sooo slick! compliments

[@jeremyjames83]

I love your videos, the authenticity is amazing

[@dellockett5096]

YEP, I agree this is the BEST tutorial on using the Bowline! BUT!!! at the end of the tutorial is the most USEFUL and FASTEST way to tie a Bowline around a post -- thank you for teaching me something new about this know!

[@74kork]

Perfect video about Bowline knot. Good job man.

[@ianoliver3879]

Thank you. Clear, well shot and edited. Jolly good.

[@colinnorthcott9219]

Wow, that was fantastic. So well thought out and presented. Thankyou

[@peterhogan9698]

Wow! Good clear demos, and those hands are magical. I'd probably need to replay that last demo several times. Getting that inversion to happen could be tricky.

[@lisab3396]

As an old apprentice shipwright and taught this a long time ago but now forgotten, I was amazed with this. I will surely come back and practice when sober!

[@chronomancer6665]

This man is a knot wizard. Subscribed.

[@awapuhi]

The best tutorial bowline video, thanx you sir. Cheers from Baja Mexico

[@billypoppins9138]

My sons teacher is very happy with this video. A very good example for Adults and kids. Thanks

[@jmjm1920]

Best bowline knots demo ever 🙏🙏from NZ

[@LeoDomitrix]

My dad was US Navy. The bowline remains the most useful knot he taught me. I never heard the "rabbit hole" story, and wow, I'm glad.

[@bobsheeler5772]

Love your videos. Thanks for all of your tips

[@KingsMom831]

This is probably one of the best knot tying videos on YT!! Well done!

[@professormoptop]

I been a sailor for 13 years and never have seen that last setup. I find it very handy for the future. Thanks for the tips!!!

[@DouglasGross6022]

Another comment identified that as the marlin spike with the working end pulled through instead of a spike.

[@daneulekowski929]

I watched this video and thought it was good, then grabbed some rope and practiced while I watched it again. Thanks , I feel confident now.

[@richardguyatt6435]

I’m just starting out on a westerly longbow 31 ft, I’ve inherited from my dad, I’m scared to death of it to be frank, I’ve just found his book of knots and now with your great practical Vídeos I may start to dream of leaving the dock In my own lifetime!! Thank you for being so calm in explaining everything, You give me great confidence already.

[@lynchcreekmuzzy5759]

So....did you ever get your fathers boat out onto the water??

[@michaelhaering7876]

Best discussion and demonstration on the bowline I've ever scene. Michael (BM2 / USCG)

[@ianbruce6515]

I love that pre-prepared loop method you finished with! I did not know that one--and it would be dead handy.

[@thedevilinthecircuit1414]

Thank you, O Yoda of The Bent Line! You are a wonderful instructor.

[@eddieb7173]

Wow love this - especially the inverted bowline at the end - never seen that - awesome party trick !!! 👍

[@-just.the.facts-]

This guy really knows what he’s doing! This is the simplest and fastest traditional method of tying the bowline.

[@GavinMorris1]

You're a solver of mysteries. Thanks.

[@8Scorpions]

This video was really interesting and helpful, basically an educated time saver👍🏻👍🏻 Thank you Sir!!!

[@Denispat]

Wow! Fantastic tricks, loved it. Bravo

[@brucecggallagher1949]

thanks Louis...much appreciated. Cheers from British Columbia

[@j.r7872]

EXCELLENT!!!! THANK YOU FOR ALL OF YOUR VIDEOS!

[@juligrlee556]

Practicing knots makes them second nature that you don't forget. I've tied thousands of bowlines so I won't forget. Many other knots I rarely tie and I forget how to tie them. I used to have a book that showed knots perfectly easy to see and do. It's long since been filed in a good place where I cannot find it.

[@serrielu8025]

I have that exact same belt. Bought prob 25+ yrs ago. Glad I found ur ch. subbed

[@Thomasuki267]

Really great, thanks. I'm relatively new to boating, know the "boy scout" method but this will make quick tying of a bowline much easier.

[@ThePipcg]

I've been a coastguard in the UK for 27 years and learned a some useful stuff. The bowline is one of the knots we must know but there are a couple of good points here. Easy tie versions too.

[@lenroddis5933]

ThePipcg Taught that method by the Royal Navy at the age of 12; more than 60 years ago.

[@tomislavoscarsson9502]

Simpel and the best instructions I’ve ever seen.

[@csadelack]

This is better than my Ranger Instructor. Thanks Louis! The last bit about approaching the piling is valuable info.

[@nathantaylor4538]

Tie a marlinspike hitch, then catch the end of the line. This will then invert under tension, to form a bowline. And it is a great way to tie a bowline. This was a great vid to watch.

[@stevespeissegger1369]

I first learned how to tie this knot the last way. Thanks for showing multiple methods of accomplishing the same result! Too many people will dismiss anything other than their preferred method.

[@AlexanderSchrepfer]

My mind is blown. That's so cool to see the other ways of tying that knot.

[@AndyUK-Corrival]

Finally a video of someone tying a bowline the way I have done it for years.

[@DonsWoodies]

How does this guy not have a million subscribers? Fascinating videos.

[@Halcyonyachts]

Fantastic video. Great stuff.

[@JA-fy1bn]

Excellent course of instruction and quite easy to understand. Thanks!