Re: [Paddlewise] STRENGTH OF A TOW ROPE

At 08:35 AM 11/21/01 -0500, Rick.Sylvia_at_ferguson.com wrote:
>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


You need a line that floats which nylon does not, be sides isn't life work
a little more money to have the proper stuff. Plus you need a quick release
for your end and a biner doesn't fill the bill.


Dana
http://www.fska.org/

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