TOWING 6 Chapter 6 TOWING


Engines can be unreliable beasts so the likelihood is that sooner or later you will be involved in towing – whether as the ‘tug’ or the ‘tow’. Although the tug has the more responsible role, this doesn’t mean the tow can simply relax and enjoy the ride. Both have to work together to make the operation successful.


In any form of towing, the loads on the towrope can be high, particularly if conditions are rough. In such circumstances the surging caused by wave action can produce horrendous snatch loads. The ideal towrope should be both strong and stretchy – nylon being the best choice. It also helps if the towrope is as long as is practicable – better still if the length can be adjusted so the tug and tow are two wave crests apart, allowing both boats to rise and plunge at the same moment. Many skippers find that their anchor warp serves well.


Unless the sea is very calm, the tug should avoid coming alongside to either pass or receive the towrope. The safer option is to use a heaving line as described on page 42. Finally, it’s important to do what you can to minimise chafe. This might involve padding fairleads or other areas of contact with rags or similar. But watch out for your fingers as you do so! The slackening and tightening of a towrope can cause serious injury to the unwary.


Being the tug


Commercial tugs, marina workboats and other vessels that tow regularly are almost always fitted with a central bollard (Fig 6:1). Terminating the load at the tug’s mid-point allows the stern to swing from side to side, which means that the tug can more easily be steered. The towrope is traditionally secured with a tugboat hitch around the bollard but, unfortunately, this is rarely possible on recreational craft, who must make do with what they have.


Fig 6:2 Tugboat hitch For simplicity’s sake this drawing only gives the general idea. In reality three or four more loops are dropped over the post, first going round behind from


Fig 6:1 one direction then the other


RYA Seamanship for Sea Anglers


43


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