RE: [Paddlewise] Outfitting for towing

>From: "Rob Cookson" <rob_cookson_at_mindspring.com>
SNIP
My personal preference is a tow system that is an integral
>part of my p.f.d.  SNIP
>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.  SNIP
>Cheers,
>Rob Cookson

Hi Rob,

There's a local (to me) Canadian company that has just come out with a 
throwbag/towline system specifically designed for sea kayaks. It has a bungi 
across a bight in the line for shock-absorption and for keeping the tension 
constant. The attachment to the tower's boat is a narrower webbing belt that 
wraps around under the cockpit rim. A mini-version of the sort of 
quick-release buckle used on PFD tow systems sits at the front of the 
cockpit rim. This idea appeals to me because:

1. I don't like the idea of being suddenly jerked around by an attachment 
around my chest.

2. I'm imagining that because the attachment point of the towing line to the 
towing boat is lower to the water, there will be less backwards leverage 
working against you as tension comes on the line (considering the length of 
the imaginary lever to be roughly from sea level to whatever height above 
water it is attached to the towing boat at.)

I'd be interested in your thoughts on the pros and cons of such a system.

Philip Torrens
N49°16' W123°06'


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