[Paddlewise] STRENGTH OF A TOW ROPE

From: <Rick.Sylvia_at_ferguson.com>
Date: Wed, 21 Nov 2001 08:35:06 -0500
How strong does a tow rope need to be?  The 5/16 Braided Nylon is rated at
192 lbs.  I have two left over 'biners from another project, each rated at
150 lbs.  Some of the bow toggles I've seen on boats look like the weakest
link.  Some are held by a thin cord that doesn't look like parachute cord,
but of course, if it is parachute cord, then it's no longer the weakest
link.

Anyhow, how strong is strong enough?  At this stage of my paddling skills,
I'd be towing or being towed more for some sort of physical disability like
getting sick or something, as opposed to towing a boat in 40+ knots winds
and high seas in some sort of rescue effort, etc.  When and if I'm out on
the water in those conditions, I'll have previously re-thought my
do-it-yourself tow rig, but until then, a 150 lb rating should be enough to
tow a boat and paddler in 2-3 foot seas and maybe 20 knot winds, shouldn't
it.

Rick - Poquoson, VA
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Received on Wed Nov 21 2001 - 05:37:36 PST

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