Skill drill
How to Tie a Round Turn and Two Half Hitches
Two turns round a post, piling, rail or ring, then two half hitches round the standing part: a secure tie that can be started while the line is already pulling.
4 steps, about 3 minutes
Tie it in 3D one decision at a time. Choose wrong and you will watch the line come free.
When to use it
Making a line fast to a piling, rail or ring when it is already under load. America's Boating Club notes the round turn takes the strain while you tie the hitches, and Boat Ed calls it a secure knot that does not jam and is easy to undo.
The steps
- The round turn
- First half hitch
- Second half hitch
- Pull it tight
A drill is practice. Tie each knot a few times at the dock before you rely on it.
The written guide
Step by step
- 1
The round turn
Wrap the line round the post, then carry on in the same direction to make a second turn.[1, 3]
America's Boating Club says the round turn reduces the initial strain of the load, which makes the half hitches easier to tie.
- 2
First half hitch
Pass the end over the standing part, then back through the space between the two to make a half hitch.[1, 3]
America's Boating Club's guide says to go over, not under, the standing line, and to do it the same way both times.
- 3
Second half hitch
Make a second half hitch the same way as the first, next to it on the standing part.[1, 2, 3]
The Coast Guard's handbook says two half hitches make a more reliable knot than a single one, and Discover Boating says half hitches are not reliable on their own.
- 4
Pull it tight
Pull the ends to tighten. The two half hitches should look like a clove hitch tied round the standing part.[3]
That is America's Boating Club's check: if the finished hitches resemble a clove hitch round the standing part, you have tied it right.
Avoid these
Common mistakes
Turns going opposite ways
Both turns round the post go the same direction.[3]
Going under the standing part
Each half hitch goes over the standing part first, never under.[3]
Stopping at one half hitch
A single half hitch may slip. Two make a reliable knot.[1]
Watch & learn
Round turn and two half hitches on video
Picked from our video library. These are other creators' videos, so where one differs from the drill, the drill's sourced steps are the ones to follow.
How to Tie a Round Turn and Two Half Hitches Knot | Tutorial - Professional Yacht Training USA
Professional Yacht Training (PYTUSA)
0How to tie a Round Turn and Two Half Hitches
Adlard Coles
0Round Turn and 2 half hitches | Sailing Knots
Captain Bob's WhatKnots
0
Keep practicing
Other boating knots
Start hereCleat hitchThe knot for tying up at a dock: a turn round the base of the cleat, a figure eight over the horns, and a locking hitch to finish.4 steps
Technique 2Clove hitchTwo turns round a piling or rail with the end tucked under the crossing: the quick way to make a line fast to a post for a short time.5 steps
Technique 4BowlineA fixed loop in the end of a line that will not slip or jam and unties easily, even after a heavy load. Here, dropped over a piling.5 steps
Learn it hands-on
Nothing beats a day on the water with someone who ties these every trip. Browse charter and lesson operators near you and ask them to show you.
Find charters and lessonsSources
Where the checkable claims above come from. Rules and figures change, so confirm anything you are about to rely on against the source itself.
- Boat Crew Handbook: Seamanship Fundamentals (BCH 16114.4)U.S. Coast Guard (hosted by the Coast Guard Auxiliary) (rdept.cgaux.org)
- 5 Basic Boating Knots for BeginnersDiscover Boating (National Marine Manufacturers Association) (discoverboating.com)
- Knots to Know: Round turn with two half hitchesAmerica's Boating Club (boatingcompass.org)
