Re: [Paddlewise] Rudder Cable Replacement

 Chuck <cholst_at_bitstream.net> wrote:


>>>>>>>>>>Why do tow ropes need to be especially strong? 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. How many pounds of
resistance is there when towing a kayak and paddler at 3-4 knots? It can't
be enough to worry about the the strength of the typical tow line. Matt, you
must have some figures on this.<<<<<<<<<<

I agree with this to a point but too thin a tow rope tends to tangle too
easily and it is more likely to cut hands and such. Too heavy a tow line
(even if nylon) doesn't stretch enough on its own to absorb shocks during
towing (for everyone's comfort and the abuse the cleat or ones waist takes).
Some shock cord can be added to solve that problem with too heavy a line
though. I've settled on 3/16" nylon solid braid as the best compromise, good
stretch, not too abrasive a weave, and lots stronger than it needs to be
(but the stretch helps keep the shocks to ones body or other equipment
within reason, unless in the surf (in which case any tow line is very
problematic). In the surf what worked best for me was to hold the line in my
hand on the paddle and drop the line (with a float on it) whenever I'd be
surfed away. Then I'd circle back and pick it up again until the next ride
would make me drop it again.

Just look at any Sea Kayaker magazines kayak tests to know how many pounds
of drag a hull has at towing speeds. Most are in the 4 pound range at 4
knots and in the 2 pound range at a more reasonable 3 knot towing speed. Of
course, starting shocks and shocks to the line due to waves will probably
more than double that at times. Still 20 to 40 pound fishing line would
probably be adequate if it didn't tangle so easily and increase the risk of
cutting your hands (or being cut by a sharp rudder part).


Matt Broze
www.marinerkayaks.com  
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