Knot question

[rarhomes]

capt rick, I think I understand what you are asking. I get all of my bimini's to twist up the length of the legs by simply putting more twists in the initial step then I really need. for 20# mono, I twist it 45-50 times, but still only get half of that in the knot itself. for any mono over 50# I do 15-20 wraps and again get half in the knot, half in the legs. I believe it creates more of a coil spring action, absorbing more shock than two free standing legs would and easing overall stress throughout the terminal tackle. I also tie my knots more extended than compact because I feel a longer, springier knot will flow through the guides better and is more asthetically pleasing.

Yes,

You understand.

I have made Bimini's with 40 or 50 turns and yes the legs do sort of twist together a few times, but not quite as tight as I would like to see. I know there is another method used for this, I just can't remember were I have seen it done.

Thanks,

[floridadeckie]

the key to getting twists to be tight is to keep the mainline as tight as absolutely possible. when I tie my biminis, I put the rod in one rod holder, preferable on a tower leg within easy reach and then run the loop across to the stern cleat on the opposite side. pull out however much you need, but wind some back up and lock the drag so that the bend in the rod keeps everything tight. doing all this keeps all your work at chest height and frees up both hands to do the work. when you are done with the knot, let it go and watch it twist all the way to cleat.

[rarhomes]

the key to getting twists to be tight is to keep the mainline as tight as absolutely possible. when I tie my biminis, I put the rod in one rod holder, preferable on a tower leg within easy reach and then run the loop across to the stern cleat on the opposite side. pull out however much you need, but wind some back up and lock the drag so that the bend in the rod keeps everything tight. doing all this keeps all your work at chest height and frees up both hands to do the work. when you are done with the knot, let it go and watch it twist all the way to cleat.

Thanks Jimmy, I will give it a try.

[rarhomes]

Jimmy,

I tried your method and my conclusions are as follows;

1. You need to tie off your line and wrap the line instead of twist the line. correct?

2. You should at least double your wraps (not twist) , say at least 45 to 50 times. Correct ?

3. Finish product = a long Bimini not packed tight ( roughly 3" long in 50#) and when relieved it will have 10 to 15 wraps from the Bimini knot to the end of the loop. correct ?

[floridadeckie]

rick, its hard to picture without actually seeing it. so I'll give you a quick step-by-step.

a)pull off as much line as you think you need. I normally tie a 6-8 foot bimini, so pull off enough to have at least 7-9 ft of double ( you'll see where the difference goes).
b) in one hand, hold the mainline and tag. in your other hand, make your twists by spinning your hand however many times you need.
c) holding the mainline and tag tight, put the tip of the loop in your cleat.
d) holding the tag at 45* to the mainline with about 15+" of tag hanging off, run your other hand up between the legs toward where the knot will be. keep the tag at 45* until you cant push the twists anymore.
e) hold the tag at 90* now for 3 or 4 wraps to lock it, then pull the tag 45* toward the cleat. this will lock the wraps, then start pulling the twists back toward where you will finish the knot. keeping the tag at 45* is critical for good knot formation and the proper springy-ness.

from here on, you know how to finish it. i put a half hitch on each leg, then two hitches over both legs. then I finish it with a triple hitch to keep it clean and keep the tag end from being at the bitter end. I'll also put a dab of zap-a-gap on it to keep it from unraveling for any reason.

once you finish your knot and let it go, it should twist back up all the way to the cleat and hold its twists when slack.

[rarhomes]

Jimmy,

I don't know if I am doing it the same way you are but I have solved my problem. Here's how.

Like you said tie the loop around something very solid and put tension in the line. Now I wrap (not twist) the line 50 to 60 times, next open up the wraps somewhere in the middle and put your left index finger in and proceed from there to make a Bimini. You end up with 20 or 30 wraps to make your Bimini and 20 to 30 wraps that wrap the legs together. Works and looks beautiful

Thanks,

[floridadeckie]

rick, you got it exactly. I just use the palm of my hand instead of my finger. Glad I could help ya!

[marty65]

Hey Guys,
could someone please tell if there are any advantages in using a bimini over a plaite, as the the plaite is all I use for my doubles and find it very easy to tie compared to a bimini, or is it just a personal preference?

Marty

[floridadeckie]

bimini vs plait is a matter of preference. of course there will be arguments for both, I just tie a bimini because its what I have always tied and I can tie them quickly

[Fortunamate]

offshore swivel knot