Re: [Paddlewise] High and Low Towing and Towing Gadget

In a message dated 9/14/99 9:29:30 PM Pacific Daylight Time, 
bobvolin_at_bestweb.net writes:

<<  I can see that attaching the system close to the cockpit might
 avoid the alignment problem, but the system seems -- at least as I imagine
 it at this point -- pretty cumbersome.  Seems to me that when a tow becomes
 necessary, one would want to hook up and get going ASAP.  But, as I envisage
 it, you'd have to rig it before you could hook up to the towee.  >>

Like someone else recently mentioned in this towing thread, I carry a short 
(15 ft) tow system as a part of my PFD for quick access and deployment, plus 
a longer line I can clip in to extend the system (to about 60 ft).  I have 
used the short tow a lot for quick emergency tows or casual short-distance 
towing in mild conditions.  I have only used the extension a few times for 
longer tows in rougher conditions.  When I'm leading groups I usually also 
carry a belt-type system which can be used communally, passing the belt (and 
towing responsibilities) around the group (usual caveats about training 
people about towing, accessing conditions, etc.). 

The reason I'd been looking at the system we're discussing is that I've had 
problems of hooking the towline on the stern of the Pintail, Gulfstream, 
Sealution and other Greenland-stern kayaks that I commonly use, *plus* I've 
always envisioned mounting a workable deck-mounted system on my personal 
boat.  

I envision that this system could be left rigged with the bridle on top the 
boat for quick and/or casual towing (risking some stern hooking for the sake 
of quick deployment), but could be switched to below-boat use (in maybe 30 
seconds) for longer, rougher conditions. 

 << The disconnect would work well (although you'd want to have a small
 supply of spare slip rings handy).>>

The towline would be tied to the ring, just as with all the vest- and 
belt-mounted systems we've been discussing.  If you lose the ring, you've 
lost the entire rope.

<<For reasons of speed and maneuverability, I think it
 would be preferable to learn how to free the tow line from one's stern, and
 to learn that it's necessary to check the line at frequent intervals.  Given
 my recent experience, I've practiced this and find little hardship in it.>>

In rough conditions I found it to be a PITA, although a good test of balance 
and bracing abilities. :^)
 
<< To work through the problems inherent in towing and rescues in general 
*well
 in advance of actual need* is the best way to ensure that they will succeed.
 Surely the fouling of the tow line is a serious potential problem and a
 workable mechanical solution would be very welcome.  But the mechanics are
 not the only factors we need to consider.  I believe that rescue procedures
 and equipment solutions should be conceptualized in the context of the
 conditions under which they are likely to be needed.  This must include
 rough conditions in which the rescuer's abilities and stability may be
 compromised.   Accordingly, towing systems must be easy to deploy, easy to
 attach, and easy to escape.  >>

AMEN.  And I would add *flexible*.  You need to have a system which matches 
the needs and conditions of the moment, which are constantly changing.  I 
have achieved a fair amount of flexibility by carrying two systems and 
devising ways of adjusting each to specific needs.  But neither system is 
perfect and all have drawbacks.  And so, the search continues. . . 


Love this brainstorming, Bob -- thanks for your thoughts.

Harold
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