• Towlines must be strong. Nylon makes
a good towline because it stretches.
Braided nylon is preferable to twisted
nylon because twisted nylon has a greater
“snap-back” action if it breaks. An anchor
line from the boat being towed usually
makes a good towline.
• Never tie to an improperly mounted cleat.
Cleats used for towing should always be
through-bolted with a backing block to
spread the strain. Don’t use the cleat if
you cannot see how it is mounted. Bow
eye bolts and transom eye bolts, such as
used to tow skiers, are usually through-
bolted.
• Spread the load to more than one cleat if
in question.
• Keep all hands out of direct line with a
tow rope in case it breaks or a deck fi tting
pulls out of the deck. A piece of hardware
at the end of a stretched nylon towline
can be a lethal weapon.
• Fasten towlines securely to both boats in a
manner that does not interfere with steering.
Steering will be diffi cult if you fasten
a towline to just one side of a boat. If you
use cleats located on opposite sides of the
transom, form a bridle by attaching a line
securely between these eyes or cleats (Figure
11-9). Attach the towline in the middle
of the bridle. Ensure that the bridle is
long enough so that excessive sideways
strain is not placed on the cleats.
• Keep outboard motors and stern drives
on the towed boat down and centered to
prevent swinging to one side and then the
other.
• If a small sailboat does not have a bow
eye or bow cleat, tow it by fastening a tow
line to the mast at the deck if the base of
the mast is mounted on the keel. Keep
the towline centered by securing it to the
headstay fitting. Raise the cen terboard
and secure the tiller or wheel. Make sure
the sails are lowered.
• Adjust the length of the towline so that
the towed boat rides a minimum of three
wave lengths behind the towing vessel.
Section 11: Adverse Conditions and Emergencies 127
Table 11-6. Towing Procedures
Make sure everyone on both vessels are wearing life jackets
Use braided nylon rope for the towline
Tie only to through-bolted cleats or eye bolts
Use more than one cleat to spread the load
Keep passengers out of direct line with a tow rope in case
it breaks
Fasten towlines securely to both boats in a manner that
does not interfere with steering
Form a bridle by attaching a line securely between eyes or
cleats, then attach the towline in the middle of the bridle.
Keep outboard motors and stern drives on the towed boat
down and centered
If a small sailboat does not have a bow eye or bow cleat,
tow it by fastening a tow line to the mast at the deck if the
base of the mast is mounted on the keel.
If towing a sailboat, raise the centerboard and secure the
tiller or wheel, lower the sails
The length of the towline should be a minimum of three
wave lengths behind the towing vessel
Start moving slowly and tow slowly and steadily
Watch the towline to be sure it does not become tangled in
the propeller of the towboat
This ensures reasonable steering and prevents
the towed boat from run ning up
on the tow boat. Shorten a towline when
maneuvering in confi ned areas.
• Start moving slowly and tow slowly and
steadily. Keep the towline reasonably
taut. Keep an eye on the towline to be
sure that it does not become tangled in
the propeller of the towboat. Set the speed
so that the towed vessel rides properly in
the water and does not overrun the towing
boat or cause excessive tugging on the
line.
• When a smaller boat is towing a larger
boat and approaching a dock or moorage,
it may be advantageous to tie up
alongside the towed boat. If possi ble,
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