Re: [Paddlewise] Rudder Cable Replacement

From: Michael Daly <michaeldaly_at_greatlakeskayaker.ca>
Date: Mon, 25 Jun 2007 15:39:43 -0400
cholst_at_bitstream.net wrote:
> Personally, I'd rather have
> the tow rope as the weakest link rather than the cam cleat on my deck --
> or my waist, if I were doing a waist tow.

Me too.  There's nothing like a broken spine to ruin your day :-)

> How many pounds of resistance is
> there when towing a kayak and paddler at 3-4 knots?

Not much.  A selection of Sea Kayaker magazine test results shows 
maximum drag at four knots to be about 6.5 lb for the worst kayak they 
tested (drag figures are estimated from Kaper/Taylor, of course).

However, a wave can increase this dynamically, as can impact of the 
towed kayak with a floating or stationary object.  The actual peak force 
in those cases depends on the flex in the line (or bungie, if you put 
that in line with the rope).

If you also want to use a tow rope as a rescue rope (lifting a paddler 
out of water, for example - think of WW rescue scenarios applied to sea 
kayaks) you will want considerable strength.

Mike
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Received on Mon Jun 25 2007 - 12:40:03 PDT

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