Hi all,

I'm sure most of us have one, but for those that don't, A tow line is one of those things not often mentioned, but can really make a difference out on the water.

 This Spring a fellow boater asked me for a tow back to the launch, his motor had died. He had a tow line and it made all the difference. After that I modified my anchor line with a couple of snap hooks to use as a combo anchor/tow line and I actually put it to good use this week.

We were coming off the water and a guy on shore asked for help. He was helping his buddy get his boat out for the season, and  had been waiting at the launch with the trailer for quite a while, but there was no sign of his buddy. 

 We headed back out and found him on the far side of the lake, ( it's a thousand acre lake). His motor had died and he was just drifting. We used our tow line ( he didn't have one) and got him to the launch. 

 So just a reminder, having a tow line makes it so easy to help someone else, or yourself, should the need arise.

                                                         Jim

Isn't a tow line a safety requirement in most states?

12 minutes ago, looking45 said:

Isn't a tow line a safety requirement in most states?

I don't know about other states, but it's not a requirement in Maine.

I just checked the Coast Guard regs. Looks like I was wrong. For some reason I though a tow line was including in the safety equipment. That's why I have one in my boat. It's a good idea for everyone to keep one onboard. 

Jim,

Like you I have modified my anchor line with loops to accommodate caribeners and keep another 50 foot length of rope just because. I also carry a waterski bridle to attach to the tow boat in the event they don't have a pylon.

A tow line should have some stretch to take the "shock" out of the line in sloppy weather.  The sudden shock when the tow boat surges in a wave, or when the towed boat is slowed by running up the back of a wave can snap the line, and pull out cleats and even bow eyes.  

 

It should be of adequate length to provide sufficient stretch in heavy seas.

 

You'll have to adjust it to find out what length is best for the current conditions.  

 

Having a tow line part can injure and even kill.