Re: [Paddlewise] under the boat tow point

In a message dated 9/15/99 1:35:18 PM Pacific Daylight Time, 
nickjean_at_speakeasy.org writes:

<< Maybe I misunderstood the gizmo, but I thought that someone had come up
 with a tow bridle that went underneath the towing boat in order to
 somehow prevent the tow line from interfering with a rudder.   >>

Nick,

Nope, you understand.  Its my fault really.  I often paddle boats with 
rudders, but never use them, so my mind identifies with rudder interference 
only coming from those pesky portions above the waterline.  If using a rudder 
to steer with, of course the under-boat bridle would cause the towline to 
interfere with the rudder blade.  When towing from above the deck, I have 
always had problems with the rudder blade or bellcrank snagging the towline.  
Maybe this is yet another argument against kayaks with rudders? :^)

In fact, I usually paddle kayaks with adjustable skegs, but only occasionally 
lower the skeg.  Again, you're point is well taken -- the under-boat bridle 
would cause the towline to snag on the skeg if it was lowered.  Usually, I've 
wanted the skeg fully up when towing to give me maximum maneuverability *and* 
experienced problems with the towline hooking around the stern.

What this again points out is the need to be able to adjust any towing system 
to varying conditions of usage as well as sea conditions and other outside 
influences.

Going back to my original post on this subject, I merely asked (after reading 
about use of the bridle on the towed boat), if anyone had tried using a 
similar rig on the towing boat.  As far as I know, nobody has actually tested 
such a rig.  

Just thinking our loud :^)

Harold

 

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