What constitutes a monkey fist?

A monkey fist is a type of knot that is specifically designed to create a heavy, rounded knot commonly used to weigh down the end of a line. The correct choice describing a monkey fist is that it consists of four sets of turns at right angles, which encapsulate a central core—often a weight—to give it the necessary heft.

When tying a monkey fist, the four turns help create the characteristic rounded shape that allows the knot to be thrown effectively. The arrangement of the turns at right angles helps in building the bulk of the knot while ensuring that it remains secure and compact. This structure provides stability and prevents the knot from unraveling during use.

While other options mention fewer turns or completely different structures like a single bowline (which has different applications and does not achieve the same shape or purpose as a monkey fist), it’s the combination and arrangement of four distinct sets of turns at right angles that define the knot's functionality, making it suitable for tasks such as casting a line or creating a heavier end for easier handling.