A painter is a rope that is attached to the bow of a dinghy, or other small boat, and used for tying up or towing.[1] Ideally, the painter should float.If used on a boat with a propeller, the length of the painter should be shorter than the distance to the propeller, to prevent fouling the engine.[2]
Canoes being used in moving water or whitewater are rigged with a painter at both the bow and stern.[3] In addition to the functions mentioned above, a canoe's painters can be used for lining the boat down difficult sections,[4] self-rescue,[5] and boat recovery.[6]