Bow Line or Bowline, which is it?

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Posted by Ted on 22:24:35 06/22/03

Time to end the confusion.

Bowline is pronounced "Bow" (as in bowtie). It has two nautical meanings, none which are directly related to kayaks. Infact the the only correlation I can see in the use of the term for a kayak, has to do with it's use, with a drift chute.

Nautical. A rope attached to the weather leech of a square sail to hold the leech forward when sailing close-hauled.

A knot forming a loop that does not slip. And I can still tie a one handed bowline.

Under the first definition the relation must be between the sail and the drift chute.

Under the second definition, there is no relation and it is obvious that a kayak bowline is not a knot.

To call it a bowline is an awkward adaptation when the kayak bowline is use as a Bow Line (pronounce as the bow on the front of your boat) for emergency assist, towing or dragging from the Bow and last, a point to attach a sea anchor or bottom anchor.

Either way everyone knows it has nothing to do with a knot and nothing to do with sailing, call it what you will I'll know what you are talking about.

-Ted

Follow Ups:

The rabbit comes out of the hole... HuntFish 17:43:09 06/27/03 (0)
It's an awesome knot however it's pronounced.. Rob Mailly 16:52:28 06/25/03 (0)

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Comments:	: Time to end the confusion.Bowline is pronounced "Bow" (as in bowtie). It has two nautical meanings, none which are directly related to kayaks. Infact the the only correlation I can see in the use of the term for a kayak, has to do with it's use, with a drift chute.Nautical. A rope attached to the weather leech of a square sail to hold the leech forward when sailing close-hauled. A knot forming a loop that does not slip. And I can still tie a one handed bowline.Under the first definition the relation must be between the sail and the drift chute.Under the second definition, there is no relation and it is obvious that a kayak bowline is not a knot. To call it a bowline is an awkward adaptation when the kayak bowline is use as a Bow Line (pronounce as the bow on the front of your boat) for emergency assist, towing or dragging from the Bow and last, a point to attach a sea anchor or bottom anchor.Either way everyone knows it has nothing to do with a knot and nothing to do with sailing, call it what you will I'll know what you are talking about.-Ted
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