Re: [Paddlewise] Setting up a tow line?

From: "Peter D Osman" <rebyl_kayak_at_iprimus.com.au>


> I'm using a relatively narrow
> hardshell and with the possibility of rolling am concerned about
> entanglement. If the tow hook is set up too near the cockpit is there a risk
> of being pulled over? 

Not that I can see.  You want it as close to the cockpit as possible.  Otherwise the
towing force will swing your kayak in line with the rope.

I use a system like the NDK style rig.  A fairlead is mounted as close as possible 
behind the cockpit on the centreline of the kayak.  A cam cleat is mounted on the 
side of the deck (starboard for me).  The towing line runs through the fairlead, then 
at an angle to the cleat.  The angle is a bit more open than 90 degrees (maybe 
110 degrees?) and I've tested it to ensure that there isn't too much bend-induced 
friction.  

The fairlead keeps the towing line on the centreline, while the cam cleat allows
for a quick release just behind my right hip.  

In my case, the fairlead bolts into the rear bulkhead reinforcement (flange-like
bit of the bulkhead where it attaches to the underside of the deck).  I backed up 
the cam cleat with a couple of layers of fiberglass epoxied inside.  The cam cleat 
is the type with a wire fairlead attached so that the line won't pop out of the cleat.

Mike

PS - Don't forget that you should practice with it a few times to ensure you're used
to the way it works.


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