What is a monkey fist commonly used for?

The monkey fist is primarily used as a weight at the end of a heaving line, which is a lightweight line thrown to assist in securing or transferring heavier lines. This weighted knot is designed to provide enough mass to allow for better accuracy and distance when throwing the heaving line from one point to another, such as from a ship to a dock or another vessel. The added weight ensures that the heaving line can cut through any wind resistance, making it easier to land the line where it needs to go, thus facilitating safe and efficient mooring or attaching to another vessel.

In contrast, securing a line to a ship involves various knots and splicing techniques that are different from the monkey fist. While a monkey fist can enhance the functionality of a heaving line, it is not an anchoring tool. Additionally, it does not serve the purpose of creating a mooring point itself; rather, it aids in the task of bringing the necessary lines to that mooring point. Understanding the specific role of a monkey fist within rigging and line handling is essential for effective seamanship.