Contact Tow

Some tows are only a few boat lengths long: off a rock, out of a channel, away from a dock. A full tow line is too much rope for that. North Water's Contact Tow is a short tether with a carabiner at each end that holds a second kayak close alongside yours while you move it. It is one short line that also does five other jobs on deck, which is why it earns a permanent place on the boat. 60 in. Cord length 64 in. With carabiners Stainless Two carabiners 6 Jobs, one line Built to Clip Fast and Stay Clipped The carabiners are wide-gate stainless steel, so they go onto a deck line quickly and easily. Each one has an eye that the cord runs through, which means a carabiner cannot work itself off the tether. The connections are knotless. There is nothing bulky at either end to catch on deck lines when you are clipping on or pulling it free. Six Jobs for One Short Line ✔ Contact tow: hold a second kayak alongside yours for a short move ✔ Stirrup: a step for a paddler climbing back in ✔ Bridle tow: clipped at two points to spread the pull ✔ Painter: a short line to tie the boat off at a dock or on shore ✔ Rafting bridle: links kayaks rafted side by side ✔ Paddle leash: keeps your paddle attached to the boat while your hands are busy Specs Cord length 60 in., not counting the carabiners Overall length 64 in., carabiner to carabiner Hardware Two wide-gate stainless steel carabiners, eyed and captive on the tether Connections Knotless North Water part 30SK-31 Practise before you need it. Any tow ties two boats together. Learn contact towing and assisted rescues with a qualified coach, and rehearse them in calm water first. Questions about setting one up on your boat? Email info@kayak-ontario.com. The Rest of Your Rescue Kit → Micro Tow Line: a waist-worn tow for the longer pulls, short or long setting → Rescue Stirrup: a dedicated step for getting back in → All North Water gear: tow lines, rescue kit and deck storage Questions Does this replace a tow line? No. A contact tow is for short, close work. For anything longer you want a full tow line, and most paddlers who carry one carry both. How long is it? 60 inches of cord, 64 inches overall with the carabiners. Deck line spacing varies from boat to boat, so if you are not sure it suits yours, email us and we will help you check. Can the carabiners come off the line? No. They are eyed carabiners, held on the tether through the eye, so they stay with the line. Will the hardware hold up in salt water? The carabiners are stainless steel. Rinse the whole thing in fresh water after salt use, as you would any deck hardware.