[Paddlewise] Towing set-up

Rick wrote:
 I am planning on rigging up a quick release system for towing other kayaks.
Can I use the simple V-cleats with no moving parts, or are the two jaw
swivel type of Cam cleats needed? And what type, and size, rope is needed
for towing in rough seas? Thanks for any suggestions

Hello Rick:
The present towing line set-up I am using comprises
1. 15 metres of 3 mm nylon climbing cord. This seems a good length for
towing in swell. It's good if your paddling colleagues have the same length
line for V-tows.
2. a quick release snap link, similar to the Ronstan RF 6110 which you can
see at http://ronstan.com/marine/M_P108-110.pdf, to clip to my boat. The
ring has a small plastic ball attached with cord for quick release.
3. a small wire gate aluminium carabiner, to clip the towed boat
4. a small foam float at the towed boat end, enough to keep 3. afloat
5. a winding card made of 20 mm marine plywood, shaped like a kite line
winder. The line is wound around this for storage. A short length of line
attaches the snap link to this card, which also has a bungy loop for
retaining the wound up line. The card floats.
6. a 300 mm length of bungy line, looped at both ends and tied into the line
with some slack spiraled around the bungy, as a shock absorber
I like this arrangement as it is reasonably easy to wind up the line when
the tow is finished. Small bags are harder and slower for line storage, and
more prone to tangles. The line strength seems adequate.
I keep this in the day hatch. The snap link attaches to a small 3 mm line
loop through a recessed deck fitting behind the cockpit.
This set up can be released by pulling the plastic ball. This works pretty
well, although the snout of the snap link catches slightly when releasing,
and sometimes needs a jiggle to get it free. But no deck mounted cam cleat
is needed.
If you make up something like this, make sure to check that the whole
arrangement floats! About a year ago I went out to practise rescues and
tows. My friend brought his new tow line with substantial stainless crabs
attached. He casually brought it out to deploy and flung it on the water to
disentangle. It sank quickly taking $40 worth of stainless to DJ's locker.
Cheers, Peter Treby


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