Re: [Paddlewise] Towing device

Jim Tynan wrote:
> 
> I'm considering the purchase of a Salamander Keel Hauler [30-foot
> shock-absorbing 5/16" Kernmantle tow line with 1000-pound MFP polypropylene
> core, stainless steel carabiner, urethane coated 500-denier Cordura bag,
> webbing belt, quick-release cam-lock buckle].  I chose this one because of
> the company's reputation and cost [$55-70].

Salamander's Keel Hauler (Pro ?) should be a pretty good tow system
(though at about $80, which I paid, makes it darned expensive), though
I'll say up front that I haven't (yet) put the Keel Hauler Pro through
what I put my former tow belt, a Salamander Retriever through.  I will
say that if you wind up towing in dumping wave conditions, that the Keel
Hauler is the way to go due to the bungied end section (between the
Retriever & Keel Hauler).

As mentioned in a former recent post regarding the need for an offside
roll, I wound up putting my tow belt to use during a BCU program.  This
was done in about 4' dumping storm surf - no pattern or easily
noticeable gap between the shore break and shoal break which is where
the incident took place.
After the hookup to the two boats and capsize mishap (and subsequent
roll), I paddled out to bring the line taught and then really poured on
the steam to tow the two boats out of the surf zone. As could be
expected, I was getting pulled backwards to some degree each time the
two boats I was towing would be swept by a powerful wave.  What I
learned the hard way though, was that whenever the two boats were hit by
dumpers with any slack in the line, that it would snap the line to such
a degree as to back surf me up to half the distance back to them (at
full line length)- paddle blade anchored firmly doing my best to deliver
a forward stroke to the wave side.  This went on about a half dozen
times before the tow was given up on and the victim forced to swim his
boat in.

The reason for the snap back surfing, I believe, was due to the
Salamander Retriever not having a bungied end to help absorb some of the
excess shock.  That's what makes the Keel Hauler worth the extra $$ in
my view.

Before I get flamed for not fully knowing my equipment before having to
rely on it, let me say that I normally do test equipment out first, but
could not (fully test it out) this time, given the time frame leading up
to the course.

A couple last things regarding tow belts:

Keep the pack opened enough to pop the knot behind the biner out of the
pack easily
	(opening the pack on water in conditions can be hard - esp. w/ gloves
on)
Attach some form of ball or loop to the cam buckle to find and open it
quickly while wearing gloves.  (If you're being dragged broached and
inverted, I think you'll need to drop the tow belt before you can roll
up)
And (obviously), practice using it in rough conditions before you need
to use it in rough conditions.

just my two cents worth,

Vince
-looking forward to paddling liquid water again!
& who wishes all his classrooms could have been more like that of the
BCU
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