The biggest load is transient load (ie sharp tugs) that occur in bumpy waters. Esp in following seas the tower and towee will accelerate/decelerate when the waves pass underneath them, leading to the tow rope slackening (tower slows down and towee closes in on tower) and then abruptly tightening (tower speeds up & towee slows down). That will be a multiple of the static load that happens in flat water towing - having been towed in this condition it is a rather unpleasant experience when the towline suddenly snaps taut. I would think that the load could be up to 40-50 lbs. Stephan -----Original Message----- From: owner-paddlewise_at_paddlewise.net [mailto:owner-paddlewise_at_paddlewise.net] Sent: Tuesday, 26 June 2007 5:03 AM To: paddlewise-digest_at_paddlewise.net Subject: PaddleWise V1 #2829 PaddleWise Monday, June 25 2007 Volume 01 : Number 2829 >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. Can be still more than the resistance created by partially deflected rudder blade at approximately same speeds. *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
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