Steve Cramer wrote: > The North Water Combing Tow Line has line with a breaking strength of > 363kg (800lb.). My homebrew tow lines use stretchy rope rated at maybe > 250 pounds. Some paddling shops sell polypropylene braided line by the meter/ft/yd that is the same as the stuff used in commercially available tow kits. I've also seen floating Spectra sheath + polypro core line sold at the same shops if you want the lighter line. As long as you buy good quality materials, you can make your own gear that's just as good as the retail products. You do have to pay attention to details such as how the sewing is done on parts or what kinds of knots are used. My experience is that you only save a bit of cash (if any) but you can get things that fit your needs better. I made a tow belt for my PFD (PFD has provision for the belt). A friend bought one made for WW. Mine releases when towing. He tested his with me last weekend and his did not release properly when he closed it with the braking bar as per WW instructions. I advised him to not use the braking bar that way, since it adds too much friction to the rig. It's essential for taking the kinds of load that WW rescue entails. My test show that the braking bar is superfluous for towing. BTW, as far as carabiners in freezing weather - I'm not aware of special carabiners made for ice climbing. Salt will be a problem, not temperature. Mike *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************Received on Mon Oct 16 2006 - 12:29:11 PDT
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