RE: [Paddlewise] Outfitting for towing

Hi Phillip and All,

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Philip Torrens [mailto:skerries_at_hotmail.com]

> 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:

That sounds like the North Water tow system.  If it is, I have seen it but
never had the chance to try it out.

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

You might be surprised at how little force you feel on your body even in
rough conditions.  I have never found it bothersome enough to make me want
another system.


>
> 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.)

Do you think this will really make a noticeable difference?

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

I've always felt a little funny about having a line around my coming.  Now,
this is just a superstition of mine and nothing else, I just don't care for
the idea.  What I would perceive as the real disadvantage is the tow line
fouling on the towing boats stern deck or, if so equipped, the rudder.  I
have seen this happen and unfortunately it happened in some really nasty
stuff.  Once the line is fouled you sacrifice a _lot_ of control to the boat
in tow.  What's really frustrating is that it is very hard to clear this
kind of fouling yourself.

I'm going to offer the obvious suggestion, that is maybe you could try both
systems and see what you prefer.  If you don't have access to the North
Water rig you could certainly imitate it by simply using a piece of line
around the coming.  This wouldn't have a quick release but for a simple
evaluation in flat water I would be comfortable with that.

I don't know if this helped shed any light on the situation for you or not.

Happy Paddling,



--
Rob Cookson
		3 Hats Design
		INTERNET  PRINT  ILLUSTRATION
		5201 15 Ave NW
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> N49°16' W123°06'
>
>

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