Re: [Paddlewise] tow rope length

Sidney_Stone_at_amsinc.com wrote:
> 
> As long as we are on this thread, here are some further thoughts on tow lines
> and towing.  When selecting the hardware used to attach the line to the boat
> being towed, keep in mind that you may need to attach the rope while wearing
> some type of glove.  You need a carabiner large enough to manipulate while
> wearing gloves.
> 
> Hooking the tow line to the towee boat.  If the towee kayak does not have deck
> lines, then you need to hook onto the toggle.  If decklines are available, you
> want to hook onto to deck line.  This can be done in two ways.  First, you can
> simply attach to the deck line using the carabiner. Or, you can run the tow line
> under the deck line and then hook it back onto itselt. This permits the towee
> some ability to detach themselves from the tow.  You also need to be careful not
> to run the tow line under both deck lines - if the toggle holding the deck lines
> break, then the tow line will slip off.

If you want to rig your kayak for being towed, add a jam cleat on the foredeck
just ahead of the cockpit.  Use a line that runs through the  forward padeye
that holds the toggle (if you have one - or consider adding a padeye) and secure
the line to the cleat.  The tower can then hook into that line and you, the towee,
have the ability to release it quickly in the event of a problem.  

I prefer the vertical jam cleats to the horizontal type, as they seem to snag 
things less often.  I also use the type that have a bar over the line end (like 
a built-in fairlead) to keep the line from pulling itself out.

This cleat can also be used in an alternative to a tow if you're dealing with a
sick paddler.  Go bow to bow, overlapping so that the ill paddler can drape 
themselves over your deck near the bow and feel stable.  (See the photo in Sea
Kayaker in "The Rafted Tow", bottom of page 17, Oct 1998)  Use the cleat, line and
a small biner to attach to their deck lines at their bow.  You will be able to see
them, talk to them and monitor them at the same time as being able to paddle.  The
cleated line will keep their kayak in line with yours and it won't impede your 
progress too much.  Since it's cleated in, you can release it quickly.  This 
technique won't work well in really rough seas, since the two kayaks will bash 
into each other a lot.

Mike


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