Stoppers

Ashley Stopper Knot

Oysterman's stopper
DIFFICULTY ●●●○○

The bulkiest practical stopper: a clever slipknot-based tie that finishes as a wide three-lobed face, invented by the author of the great knot encyclopedia.

stopperbulkyboating
See it tied step-by-step ↗

Why it earns its place

When a figure eight still slips through the hole — oversized grommets, big blocks, bungee fittings — this is the answer. Wide, stable, and surprisingly easy once learned.

Where it fails

The final tightening sequence matters: snug the three lobes evenly or the knot forms lopsided. And like most stoppers, plan on it staying tied.

Quick facts

TypeBulky stopper
Under loadVery secure
UntyingDifficult
Best forOversized holes and blocks

Related knots