Towing Bridle:

[DGR]

How long should it be? Is there a rule of thumb, or is just as long as you can get it without fouling the expensive twirly bit at the end of the outboard/outdrive leg?

Any thoughts? I'm going to make one tonight......

Cheers,

Dylan...

[Rene]

Hi

I would make i so that when you have both ends of the rope connected to the towing eyes. The middel off the rope can't reach the prop.

This is the way I made mine

Regards
Rene

[Louise]

Sounds like good advice from Rene. I expect you have already thought of this, but we use floating rope as an additional precaution.

[Simon B]

We spliced one 12mm nylon (I think) onto the towing eye and bowlined the other end with a whipping for the spare. Give it good hard pull on something heavy! then check to see if rope has stretched.

When tilted or in operating position the bridle rests on top of the AV plate, has a figure of eight knot in middle. We have only ever towed a RIB of similar weight and dont tow skiers.

[ashbypower]

Originally Posted by Louise

Sounds like good advice from Rene. I expect you have already thought of this, but we use floating rope as an additional precaution.

Agree with Louise. I would add that it is prudent to add a couple of flotation devices Corks, Balls ( ) or the like. It's embarrising fouling rope but when it's your own

Regards

Brian

[CJL]

Floating rope is the best bit of kit for this. If you set the length so that out of the water the rope sits on the cavitation plate but will not reach below the plate at any extent. For the actual tow line I prefer climbing rope cause of the elasticity in it. Other wise you`ll end up getting yanked all over the place!
Chris

[Simon B]

Quite right Ashby one would practically die of embarassment if one fouled ones balls! perish the thought and shield the ladies!!

[Mark Halliday]

This works. I used snap hooks each end, 'cos they are easier and faster to do than knots. The 2 rings (not very clear) are for bungee cords up to the A frame to lift it up when there is no load.

[solitaire]

Dylan, assuming that you are going to ski behind the boat you should ensure that the bridle is of sufficient length to allow the skier to move out to the side of the boat without the rope of the bridle fouling against the outboard.
Have you considered fitting a proper ski pole? I have just fitted one after skiing with a bridle and it is such a transformation in ease of use.
IMHO well worth the trouble if you plan to use it much.

[EDDO]

Solitaire
Do you have any pics of the ski pole fitted?
Ed

[Garygee]

Hi Dylan

Have a look at the one I made next time your over.

If you measure it should fit your spot on.

also use a "interesting" method to keep it clear of the prop.
Will work on your Rib as setups same as mine.

Regards Gary

[DGR]

GaryGee,



I'll look tomorrow!!

Dylan...

[CND]

It is sometimes worth putting something buoyant on your tow line so you can keep the line up from the prop anyway, and see where the thing is if its getting a bit rough.

I have seen some people put a fender buoy in the middle of their towline, but personally would not like to tow anything heavy (more than a topper dinghy) with this configuration.

Dont forget that if the engine falls off the transom the bridle may be able to catch it untill you can do something about it falling into the deep blue.

[Outnabout]

I know making your own is more fun, but if you need quick, safe and functional, I can recommend a ready made bridle from The Marine Superstore in Port Solent or your local supplier. Price was £10-15 (sorry can't remember exactly) and the main attraction was the red pulley frame is bouyant.

IMHO it would be very hard to foul a prop with this bridle since it won't go over the flange above the prop on my motor. As always though, nothing stopping you fouling the tow rope!

Have fun.

P.S. This bridle has towed a 2.5 metre dia. inflatable with 3 adult men on board at 20 knots. So no worries about quality. (mind you they were more like quivering kids when they got off )

[solitaire]

Eddo, no pictures yet but will take some at weekend if possible.
I can email them to you if you like and would also be happy to give advice etc if you decide to go for it.
As I said it is so much better than a bridle....keeps the rope way out of the water and for the skier it tends to give you lift out of the water whereas a bridle will always tend to pull you down due to the low attachment points!
(Also loads easier to adjust different rope lengths)

Cheers, Solitaire