Towing Points on an M

Hurley · Post by **Hurley** » Sat Dec 17, 2005 12:14 am

I intend to tow a water toy for the kids this year. Where should I attach tow lines on the boat?

Thanks in anticipation

Balu · Post by **Balu** » Sat Dec 17, 2005 12:29 am

I pull my kids on a tube with the line connected to the rear mooring cleats via a line and pulley available from shops who sell ski's etc. Whether this is the right place or not I have not had problems as the height of the stern keeps the line clear of the motor.The cleat fixings are strong enough.
I leave the pulley on the outside of the push-pit so that it moves freely from side to side.

baldbaby2000 · Post by **baldbaby2000** » Sat Dec 17, 2005 8:06 am

We also use the stern cleats. I haven't found a better place. I worry a little about the line getting wrapped on the rudder in the up position so I keep a close eye on it.

BB

Balu · Post by **Balu** » Sat Dec 17, 2005 9:47 am

I drop the rudders so the line just clears them,but makes it difficult to board the boat.

Balu · Post by **Balu** » Sat Dec 17, 2005 9:47 am

I drop the rudders so the line just clears them,but makes it difficult to board the boat.

Post by **kmclemore** » Sat Dec 17, 2005 11:46 am

I use the rear cleats, though you're right that the rudders tend to get in the way. Presently I just tie to one cleat and I've had no problems, but I've considered making up a Y-yoke, where I'd have a loose loop running from cleat to cleat, then have a pully running in that loop and tie a line to that, leading to the pull-toy.

Dimitri-2000X-Tampa · Post by **Dimitri-2000X-Tampa** » Sat Dec 17, 2005 6:34 pm

That's how I do it on my X. I make a bridle with about a 10-15 foot long piece of line tied between the two stern cleats. I tie a small (floating) fender into the middle of the bridle so that it won't sink down to get in the prop. Then I attach the tow rope near the fender also. The fender comes out of the water at speed.

DLT · Post by **DLT** » Mon Dec 19, 2005 7:44 am

I had the motor shop install some ski-eye's just above the waterline on either side of the motor.

They backed it with some marine plywood to spread the load. They work fine so far...

Post by **kmclemore** » Mon Dec 19, 2005 10:56 am

Dimitri-2000X-Tampa wrote:I tie a small (floating) fender into the middle of the bridle so that it won't sink down to get in the prop. Then I attach the tow rope near the fender also. The fender comes out of the water at speed.

Oooohh.. good idea! Thanks!

DLT · Post by **DLT** » Mon Dec 19, 2005 11:42 am

All my tow ropes and bridles are made of that polypropylene (sp?). The whole rope floats...

With my setup, I use those purpose built bridles, made for ski boats. They usually have some additional flaotation built in...

I have one bridle that the tow rope connects to a pulley that rides the bridle. This was a bad choice, as it is constantly changing the load from the tube... I can't keep the boat straight with it...

Captain Steve · Post by **Captain Steve** » Mon Dec 19, 2005 12:30 pm

I too, like Moe, put one on the end of the anchor rode. I made a towing bridle for my dingy that terminates in a small float with a SS ring on it...easy to retrieve and snap on a shackle to get towing. Usually a couple of bucks at WM, but go to afishing store. like 2 or 3 for a buck!

DLT · Post by **DLT** » Mon Dec 19, 2005 12:33 pm

Anyone ever use any kind of rigid towing bridle?

I'd like to pull my canoe behind my Mac, but I don't want it running into the rear...

Frank C · Post by **Frank C** » Mon Dec 19, 2005 1:06 pm

DLT wrote:Anyone ever use any kind of rigid towing bridle?

I'd like to pull my canoe behind my Mac, but I don't want it running into the rear...

DLT, that sounds a little like the Dinghy Tow. (Previous thread)

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Towing Points on an M

Towing Points on an M