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From: Richard G. Mitchell, Jr. <mitchelr_at_ucs.orst.edu>
subject: [Paddlewise] Towing harness design?
Date: Mon, 21 May 2001 03:29:12 -0700
This has no doubt been covered before but could someone update me
on the conclusions?  I'm seeking a towing system that may be used
to assist my daughter in her Umiak if the day gets long or
tiring.  We have reviewed basic systems -- waist belt vs. PFD vs.
boat mounted.  What now puzzles are some specifics.  Regarding
bungie, what length, diameter and attachment point (tower's boat,
towee's boat, somewhere in between?)  Where can one obtain
floating line?  My Defender catalog does not seem to have any
that is obvious from item descriptions.  Finally, on a boat
mounted system, how might one rig a quick release attachment? 
Other suggestions and refinements?  Thanks for the review.
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From: Gabriel L Romeu <romeug_at_erols.com>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Towing harness design?
Date: Tue, 22 May 2001 00:16:37 -0400
"Richard G. Mitchell, Jr." wrote:
> 
> This has no doubt been covered before but could someone update me
> on the conclusions?  I'm seeking a towing system that may be used
> to assist my daughter in her Umiak if the day gets long or
> tiring.  We have reviewed basic systems -- waist belt vs. PFD vs.
> boat mounted.  What now puzzles are some specifics.  Regarding
> bungie, what length, diameter and attachment point (tower's boat,
> towee's boat, somewhere in between?) 

I use a belt system, 'bout 45', 30" bungie attached to the quick release
belt.  the tow rope is knotted on both ends, with enough slack in
between to disallow the bungie to stretch to extreme. This is, IMHO, a
quite proper length to avoid sharing a swell.
the other tow line is 15' without a bungie which is useful for quick
tow, holding boats during rescue training to avoid drifting, and
reactive tows.
These were decided on after much deliberation with direct inspiration
from the Salamander system.


 Where can one obtain
> floating line?  My Defender catalog does not seem to have any
> that is obvious from item descriptions. 

Lowe's Depot has a yellow poly pro that would work, I used a floating
water ski tow rope.  This is not great for the crochet stitch of
wrapping the line, but doesn't seem to tangle.  I would imagine that
there are quite some options.

 Finally, on a boat
> mounted system, how might one rig a quick release attachment?

Seen many use Cam Cleats, probably in Defender.

> Other suggestions and refinements?  Thanks for the review.

I prefer the belt system, probably influenced by my training.

-- 
¤   Gabriel L Romeu  
¤                                                    
http://studiofurniture.com    +   /diary   or  +   /paint


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