What knot is best to stow lines and fenders with a quick release?

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

Answer: (D)

When stowing lines and fenders, you want a knot that holds securely but can be released quickly. The slip clove hitch gives you that combination: it behaves like a clove hitch for a solid grip around a rail or line, but it includes a slip loop so you can simply pull the tail to release without having to undo the knot by hand. This makes it ideal for fender lines and deck lines that need to stay snug during transit or docking while still being easy to free when you’re ready to move or when conditions change.

The other options don’t fit as well. A square knot isn’t reliable under load for securing lines to a post or rail and can spill or slip. A bowline creates a fixed loop that’s easy to untie after loading, but it isn’t designed for rapid release of a line that’s stowed away. A plain clove hitch can hold under certain conditions but can be stubborn to release once tightened. The slip clove hitch combines secure holding with ready release, which is exactly what you need for quick-stow operations.