Connecticut Safe Boating Practice Test

What is the function of a figure-eight knot?

1. It is used for securing a boat to a dock

2. It serves as a stopper knot

3. It can be used as a bowline

4. It is for connecting multiple ropes

The correct answer is: It serves as a stopper knot

The figure-eight knot is primarily recognized for its function as a stopper knot. This type of knot creates a secure and bulky end to a rope, preventing it from slipping through a block or an opening. It's particularly useful in situations where you need to keep the end of a rope from unraveling or being pulled through a device, such as a pulley or a cleat. By using the figure-eight knot, boaters ensure that the line remains securely anchored, which is crucial for safe handling and maneuvering on the water. While the other options describe useful knot applications, they do not accurately represent the specific purpose of a figure-eight knot. For example, while connecting multiple ropes is important in various scenarios, the figure-eight knot is not typically used for this purpose; there are more suitable knots for joining two ropes, like the square knot or the sheet bend. Similarly, although it may offer some form of security when tied at the end of a rope, it does not serve the same function as securing a boat to a dock. Lastly, it also does not function like a bowline knot, which is primarily used to create a fixed loop at the end of a line. Thus, the emphasis on its role as a stopper knot highlights its unique contribution to