86 BASIC POWERBOATING. SAFETY & RESCUE FOR SAILING INSTRUCTORS


12. Towing KEY CONCEPTS


E Towing Factors E Towlines


E Towing Concepts E Picking Up a Tow


E Maneuvering With a Tow E Releasing a Tow


E Towing Communication E Towing Methods


TOWING FACTORS E Abilities and Responsibilities - Do you have the training and skills to execute the tow? Do you have the proper certifications and licenses necessary to conduct the tow?


E Type and Number of Boats Being Towed - Are they centerboard dinghies, keel boats, multihulls, or windsurfers? Can they be towed without someone to steer them, or do they need to be steered?


E Type and Size of Towboat - Does the towboat have sufficient power to tow the boats? Does it have the maneuverability and tracking necessary to tow? Does it have sufficient attachment points and equipment for towing?


E Experience Level of Sailors - Have they been trained and do they know what to do?


E Wind and Sea Conditions - Are there wakes from other boats? Are you towing into or with the wind and waves?


TOWLINES


The towline kept aboard and attached to the powerboat should be made of double-braid Dacron (polyester) or nylon. Generally to 1/2" diameter line, 100' long is sufficient for most small boat towing situations. It should be noted that nylon, particularly three-strand, has more stretch than polyester and should be avoided for higher loads. If a towline breaks or a cleat pulls out, a nylon line will snap back and could cause injury. Towlines are typically attached to a towing bridle to reduce the loads on the attachment points. The instructor should visually inspect the towline to ensure that it is free from knots, which greatly diminish the working strength of the line.


Many sailing dinghies have a pre-made painter or bowline affixed to the boat for towing. Some one-design classes specify length and material of these bowlines. Braided polypropylene is often used because it floats. It is the instructor’s responsibility to make sure the painter is in good condition and free from knots before students launch their boats.


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