Onto the next part of the monkey, man. To complicate matters there is
a nautical knot called the "monkey's paw" which is tied around a small
weight (brass?) into the size of an American hard ball used in
baseball. It is attached at the end of a thin line and tossed to the
dock where the larger rope is then dragged to the bollard or other
tie-up.

Knots: Monkey's Paw

"The core determines what the monkey's paw can be used for. When tied
over a stone or heavy ball, the monkey's paw can be used to add weight
to a heaving line. If tied over a cork ball with small cord the
monkey's paw makes a good float for boat keys or other small items
used around a water front. Tied over a ball of twine or other soft
material, the monkey's paw can be used as weight on the end of a rope
for the game jump the shot. A Monkey's Paw can also be used as a
toggle."

http://www.scoutxing.com/knots/monkeys_paw/monkeys_paw.htm