Deadeye knots
 

I am in the process of replacing the line between the upper and lower deadeyes on the foremast and mainmast. I can't tell what kind of knot was used to tie off the tag end on all ten shrouds. I have tried to find a specific knot for deadeyes in a few books and websites but have come up blank. Any suggestions?
Thanks
Bob

Do you have a picture of it....I'm sure we can identify it.

love
nick

Hi Bob --

Standard practice is to use a Matthew Walker or Double Wall knot for the dead end, reeve the lanyard, set it up with the biggest tackle you dare, and then finish off with a cow hitch around the shroud above the upper deadeye, with the tail end seized to the lanyard. Reference: Ashley # 682, 676, 3238, and 3317.

Options
 

Hello,
There are numerous variations on the Matthew Walker, and Ashley shows many of them. It's a hard knot to do tidily, or at least if you relay and whip the stub end after the knot is drawn up. Not often done well. I prefer a button knot here, like Ashley's #880. A little harder to learn to tie, but requires no whipping, and it is quite handsome.
You can also splice directly to the deadeye, or take the spliced end to a ringbolt on deck. These two options require fairing the stopper knot holes to look like the rest. It's an uncommon treatment, but very strong, and perhaps has a little more purchase.
You can also add "pinked" leather washers behind the lanyard knots or buttons. Nice touch.
Fair leads,
Brion Toss