Gary Warner wrote:
Ok, so now that the restoration is done and we're actually
boating I figured I'd work on my knots, hitches, bends, etc.

Actually, for our little 22 footer with all the proper lines
already on-board I won't need many knots. I've learned
a couple of hiches for fenders and bends to join ropes
together and the bowline and bowline on a bight for loops.

Anyway, the Sheepshank has me puzzled. I'll probably
almost never need to shorten a rope, so it doen's
matter, but it's bothering me anyway.

The sheepshank is one of those old-time sailor knots that doesn't work
well with newer artificial fiber rope. I wouldn't call it "worthless"
but then I might also note that I've never had to tie one for any reason
an any boat in 40+ years of sailing.

IMHO a boater needs to know only two knots: clove hitch & bowline. Only
two knots, but you need to know how to tie them reliably and fast.

A figure-eight, rolling hitch, and sheet bend are also very handy to
know, but not really for everyday use. A bowline on a bight comes in
pretty handy sometimes, too. Recently I learned the tugboat hitch, and
think that is a very handy one.

Fair skies
Doug King