RE: [Paddlewise] Outfitting an NDK Romany 18' for towing

Hi Marty and All,

I'm sure you'll get lots of opinions on this one and clearly there is no one
best solution.  My personal preference is a tow system that is an integral
part of my p.f.d.  There are several models to choose from such as the
Kokatat Pro-Fit, the Lotus Lola-Pro, Rio-Pro or Strait Jacket.

I prefer this system to a boat mounted system for a number of reasons.  It
allows me to maintain good directional control of my boat.  It keeps the
tow-line up and out of the way so that it doesn't snag on deck clutter such
as a spare paddle or foul on the stern.  It is extremely frustrating to have
a tow-line fouled on some part of your stern deck.  I also like having the
quick release right there in front of me.  I find this more convenient that
reaching around to fiddle with something on the stern deck.

If you do decide to go with a p.f.d. based system I would suggest you look
at the Kokatat tow line.  The line winds up on a card which makes it very
easy to vary the length as well as stow after use.  This system can be used
with either the Lotus or Kokatat p.f.d's.  (I think they changed the
attaching fastex tri-glide on their production models, they did on the
proto-type I was playing with.)  The Lotus Sea-Tow is ok but is much harder
to stow when you are finished, the Kokatat also attaches snugly to your vest
while the Lotus flops around.

Whatever system you end up with make sure you have plenty of length
available in the tow-line.  I like to have 50'.  In order to achieve this I
sometimes carry a small diameter extension that I can clip on to my regular
line if I need the extra length.  For short tows or calm conditions you will
not need this much length but if you ever tow in big conditions you will
definitely appreciate the extra length.



Disclaimer-

I Don't work for either Lotus or Kokatat but I do know the folks at both
locations and have at various times tested gear and offered feedback.  I
would have to say that I am probably slightly biased because I like the
folks at these companies.  That aside I still prefer towing from the p.f.d.

Cheers,




--
Rob Cookson
		3 Hats Design
		INTERNET  PRINT  ILLUSTRATION
		5201 15 Ave NW
		Suite 220
		Seattle, WA 98107
		206.851.8202 direct line
		206.784.1641 main office phone
		206.784.2231 main office fax
		mailto:rob_at_3hats.com
		http://www.3hats.com

> -----Original Message-----
> From: owner-paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net
> [mailto:owner-paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net]On Behalf Of Marty & Diane
> Gildea
> Sent: Thursday, March 16, 2000 9:48 PM
> To: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net
> Subject: [Paddlewise] Outfitting an NDK Romany 18' for towing
>
>
> I'm seeking ideas on how to outfit my Romany for emergency
> towing.  I would
> like to minimize any hardware on the back deck and want it to be durable,
> user-friendly and elegant.  Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.
>
>
> Marty
> Waterbury, VT
> gildea_at_together.net
>
>
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