Denis Marier wrote:
This site is interesting. I have try the stunsail knot.
I see some use for it on a dinghy sailboat. However I feel more comfortable
with the bowline knot on larger boats. While not as nice as the stunsail
the bowline is more secure.
Maybe with time I'll get use to a stunsail knot and appreciate it more.

You should definitely use the knots you're comfortable with. The most
important thing about any knot is its predictability. This is why my
wife's knot tying scares me - her bowlines seems to come out different
every time!

I would, however, disagree about the bowline being more secure. It a
bit vulnerable to coming apart if severely flogged, especially if not
well finished. Also, when used on a halyard, whether to a shackle or
directly to the head, a small loop will be left - this can prevent the
sail from be hoisted all the way. In addition, whenever a bowline is
tied on a small object, like a shackle or headboard, it will suffer
chafe because it is free to move around. A proper end hitch, like the
stunsail tackbend or anchor bend is better for this type of attachment.

I've used the stunsail tackbend as one of my primary knots for 40
years now, along with a bowline, tautline, and figure eight (and lots
more - I was a knot geek before I learned to sail!) and I've never
known one to fail, whether on small line or large.