GP14 Essential Knots & Rigging

Tying the Right Knot for Every Job on Your GP14

The GP14's rig is simple but versatile. Knowing how to tie the right knots makes rigging faster, safer, and easier to adjust under pressure.

1

Bowline

"The Sailor's Best Friend"

Use for:

  • • Tying the jib sheets to the sail clew
  • • Securing halyards to shackles or rings
  • • Any loop that won't slip under load

Why:

A bowline creates a strong, non-slip loop that's easy to untie even after loading.

Animation courtesy of AnimatedKnots.com

Animation courtesy of AnimatedKnots.com

2

Figure-Eight Knot

"The Stopper"

Use for:

  • • Stopping ropes from running through blocks or cleats
  • • Ends of control lines and spinnaker sheets

Why:

A simple, neat stopper knot that prevents lines from escaping when eased.

3

Reef Knot (Square Knot)

Use for:

  • • Joining two similar ropes (e.g., temporary extension)
  • • Securing sail ties or cover lashings

Why:

Quick to tie and untie — but not reliable for heavy loads (avoid in halyards or control lines).

Animation courtesy of AnimatedKnots.com

Animation courtesy of AnimatedKnots.com

4

Clove Hitch

Use for:

  • • Attaching fenders to the gunwale
  • • Securing temporary lines around a spar or pole

Why:

Adjustable and easy to release; grips well under steady tension.

5

Rolling Hitch

Use for:

  • • Tying a control line to another line under tension
  • • Emergency halyard grip

Why:

It grips in one direction and slides in the other — ideal for temporary control under load.

Animation courtesy of AnimatedKnots.com

Animation courtesy of AnimatedKnots.com

6

Sheet Bend

Use for:

  • • Joining two ropes of different diameters
  • • Attaching shock cord extensions

Why:

Maintains good strength and doesn't slip under load, even with mixed line types.

7

Round Turn & Two Half Hitches

Use for:

  • • Mooring to a pontoon ring or trolley handle
  • • Securing the boat to a jetty or slipway post

Why:

Combines strength with easy adjustment; holds under constant pull.

Animation courtesy of AnimatedKnots.com

Animation courtesy of AnimatedKnots.com

8

Double Fisherman's Knot

Use for:

  • • Making rope loops (spinnaker pole bridles)
  • • Joining thin control line tails

Why:

Compact, strong, and neat — excellent for permanent joins.

9

Cleat Hitch

Use for:

  • • Securing halyards or painter to a cleat

Why:

Locks rope firmly under tension yet unties instantly with a flick.

Animation courtesy of AnimatedKnots.com

Rigging Tips for GP14 Knots

Area Knot Notes
Jib sheets Bowline Tie a small loop for easy removal
Main halyard Bowline / Shackle Use a metal halyard shackle for smoother hoisting
Outhaul Figure-eight stopper Prevents slipping out of cleat
Kicker Rolling hitch (on purchase line) Prevents slippage
Trolley tie-downs Round turn + two half hitches Simple and secure
Sail ties / cover straps Reef knot Quick and tidy
Spinnaker sheets Figure-eight / bowline Non-slip and easy to untie

Pro Tip

Keep short lengths of spare rope in your GP14 toolbox and practice knots dry — muscle memory matters when you're rigging on a windy shore.

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