How to make a simple Towing Bridle
Hopefully you will never need to use it on your own boat - but if the need arises do you know what you would use to tow someone else's boat in case of a breakdown?
As most of us don't carry a ready made towing bridle, an easy way to make one is to use two mooring lines attached to your rear cleats (or similar) and tie a bowline in the end of each one - preferebly so each line is the same length.
Now take the bow line/towing line from the boat in trouble and tie it to two lines already prepared - again using a bowline. You should be able to tow the boat to safety now without your joining knots in the ropes becoming permanently bonded together, and the only knot you need to know is the bowline.
An Extra Tip - Tie a half-hitch in front of the bowline. The half-hitch will take much of the force and help prevent the bowline from being pulled too tight to untie.
By Trevor Goddard
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