About CABBSFounded in 1967, CABBS brings together people who share a passion for building, sailing, paddling, and motoring in boats. Through meetings, outings, and a lending library, members have an opportunity to learn and have fun wtih those who share a similar interest. Visitors are always welcome at CABBS activities.  Cleveland Amateur Boatbuilding and Boating Society |
November 6, 2005 Meeting PresentationMarlinspike SeamanshipPresentation by
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RemindersDEC 14 2008 Monthly Meeting Guest Speaker:
Plans & Notes |
You can't operate a boat without line. Tying up, anchoring, hoisting and trimming sails, all depend on this utilitarian item. Dan Smith was introduced to the use of line as a deckhand on a Great Lakes freighter right out of high school. He lead off his presentation on marlinspike seamanship with a demonstration of one of the first things he learned aboard ship, how to tie a bowline knot with nearly one hand. It's a great skill to know for tying up to a post.
Dan recommended the book, Marlinespike Seamanship by Hervey Garrett Smith as the best book on knots, splices, and decorative whippings. He prefers to work with cotton rope and he provided a very thoughtfully prepared, 14 page plastic bound, handout listing rope suppliers as well as diagrams of useful knots, splices, and cockscombing.
In addition to his passion for knotwork, he enjoys woodworking and he combined his two interests in a decorative sea chest he finished off with elaborate, fancy beckets, more commonly known in landlubber terms as handles.