Let's say I want to tie a hard object to the top of my car, like a kayak. What is the preferred knot for cinching it down tightly?
I often run into this problem with boats, lumber, and the like. In the past, I've used a tautline hitch with success, but I've heard that it's not safe under critical loads. I've also used a trucker's hitch several times, and that seemed to work well, but I'm not sure what the norm is.
The knot(s) I would use are:
Bowline knot to one side of the rack
Throw line over object, under rack, then back over object.
Use truckers hitch, backed up with 2-3 reversing half hitches.
If there is a lot of slack, make a daisy chain and tie off with a fisherman's
Make sure to perform this process for the front and the back of the object.
Check that the object doesn't shift, and recheck each couple hours of driving.
