Cothron sounds like we are on the same page!
A figure 8 used as a stopper with regard to the davit would probably not be the best choice unless your cord was really thick. I was mentioning that more in regards to some earlier comments on the strengths of knots.
The one I was referring to as a barrel knot is a knot of this type
This would not be ideal for teams looking at very small diameter cords but if your in the 8mm-12mm rang it could do the trick.