Towing Point

[fishingrod]

DR,
That is my main reason for my post.It happened to my brother,and he had a bad time ,trying to hook up.
Any one else I ask,that has been towed,all say,VMR ask the owner to hook up.

I for one couldnt reach down that far,even with the wave breakers removed.

VMR must have trouble getting in that close.
David

Being a "VMR" skipper in NSW our group was normally told that the vessel owner (or controller) must attach the tow line.

Its all sorts of insurance issues. If the rescue boat crew attaches it and it damages the stricken vessel who is to blame. If the line strangely detaches from the stricken vessel and it gets washed into the rocks or hits another boat who is to blame etc etc

There is so much crap that goes on. We were not meant to attach the towlines to the other boat, however i was often giving advice to the sticken boats as some of them had no idea. Almost holding their hands. Sometimes its almost easier to attach it yourself (wink wink) Luckily most jobs we did were in mostly calmish water. Rough weather jobs need (unofficial) improvisation to get the job done, or enough to tow into calmer water and re-rig/re-position towing lines

The best results we normally had was using a bride, attached to each corner on the stern with the tow rope secured RIGIDLY in the middle of the bridle. The sliding tow rope idea looks good, but once it slides to one side it tends to pull that stern quarter of the rescue down into the water. Every boat will react different and there are many ways to do it. Im not saying this is the best way.

As a side note it is interesting being pulled across the bay at 40 - 50 KM/H in 20 knt + winds

We have towed vessels such as 20" Bayliner bowriders @ 20 knots with a 7m Sharkcat in the calm. Different story in the chop !

cheers
Rod

[dnej]

Rod,
Well,that answers that question.
I need to attach a permanent paynter,to the bow winch point ,and have it on hand,for emergencies.

It can double as the launch and recovery rope.
Thanks
David

[disorderly]

Its all sorts of insurance issues. If the rescue boat crew attaches it and it damages the stricken vessel who is to blame.



cheers
Rod

There may also be some concern in a pitching sea that the rescuer risks being injured or crushed in between the boats by trying to attach a line to the winch eye.

[Chimo]

Hi David (and Rod)

just to add a rider to the set up in the photo with the pulley block.

That set up pictured is used by me to tow my tinny behind my vagabond and David I was not intending that you consider the use of a pulley block in your set up; just a "d" thru your bow eye with about a bit less than a boat length of line (so you cannot foul it on your own prop) with a sliced eye at the end.

Cheers
Chimo

[dnej]

Chimo,
Yep,Understand
Thanks