Re: [Paddlewise] Decklines

In a message dated 5/18/00 6:46:36 AM Pacific Daylight Time, 
sprenne_at_netnitco.net writes:

> 
>  Bow:
>  The line is tied to the bow toggle attachment point, runs back along one
>  edge of boat to an attachment fitting (not sure of proper name, but its a
>  plate with an inverted U loop), where a spring clip (that slides on the
>  line) attaches the line to the fitting.  The line then continues back to 
the
>  bow, through the loop that attaches the line to the bow toggle fitting, and
>  then runs back along the other edge to a similar U fitting on the other
>  side, attached again with a spring clip in a loop at the end of the line.
>  There is just enough slack in the line to allow for the detachment of one 
of
>  the spring clips.  For the shorter tow line, only the spring clip at the
>  bitter end of line is detached, and for the longer tow line, the spring
>  clips on both sides are detached, allowing the full length of the line to
>  play out.

Some of the  advantages of having a front towline like this is that you can 
also use it as a painter to:  1. tie your boat up;  2. line your boat around 
obstacles; and (IMHO most importantly),  3. to allow you to attach the bitter 
end of a throw bag or tow line to the bow of your own craft without needing 
the tower to approach your bow during rough or dangerous conditions.  If you 
need to be towed, the tower throws you a towline, you catch or pick up the 
loose end of the towline and clip its biner/clip onto the painter.  The biner 
slides up the painter to the bow as the tower tightens the line, allowing 
them to tow you from your bow without approaching your boat. 

One possible improvement to your system is to add one more length of line, 
and (instead of tying the fixed end to the bow), run the painter through 
another eye at the bow, back to the cockpit.  The fixed end is fastened near 
the cockpit by tying with a slip (reef) knot (or you can run it through a 
jamb cleat).  If you are being towed, and you clip the towline onto this last 
leg of line, you can release yourself from the tow by tripping the knot or 
releasing the fixed end of the rope from the cleat.  The fastened end of the 
painter is pulled through the towline biner/clip, releasing you from the tow. 
 The working end of your rig cannot do this because the clip on the end will 
not slide through the towline biner or clip.

I have such a system on the front of my personal boat, in addition to full 
perimeter decklines.

Harold 

Who just received his new Khats in So Cal 8^)
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