The knot for quick-release stowage of lines and fenders?

• A. Slip knot
• B. Clove hitch
• C. Bowline
• D. Slip clove hitch

Answer: (D)

For quick-release stowage of lines and fenders you want a knot that holds securely but can be undone rapidly with a simple pull on the tail. The slip clove hitch does exactly that by taking the familiar clove hitch and adding a release feature. The clove hitch around a line or object provides solid grip under load, but it can be hard to undo if you just pull on the standing part. By incorporating a slipping element—the tail or loop—you can release the knot quickly when you pull, making it ideal for stowing lines and fenders where speed and ease of release matter.

A plain slip knot would tighten around itself and can be unreliable for securing a line in place once loaded, and a bowline, while easy to untie, isn’t designed for rapid release under tension. A clove hitch alone can jam if the load shifts, whereas the slip clove hitch preserves the quick release while maintaining sufficient security.