question for my AI buddies

Here's a question for my AI buddies. I think it was Chuck how said you should have a tow rope on board at all times, is there a certain type I should be looking for or is it just a rope.  Is there other items I should have aboard besides the basics. Thanks for the help .

PatR 

Almost any rope will work, just make at least two kayak lengths long (about 30 feet) and use a bungee as a snubber to absorb the surges.  When towing kayakers with my AI, I usually attach the rope to my rear aka bar close to the hull.

Here's pic of Stu and Freddie being towed 4 miles back to MBK.  Freddie's bow line was connected to Stu's stern.  We were still averaging about 4 mph.

Pat -

I made two 50' tow ropes which I bought from west marine in bulk. Added a large brass clip and small crab float on the end. On the kayak being towed, I install an 8' floating rope to the bow and the other end with a double brass clip to the seat. It works like Joel's quick release sturgeon anchor. You can tow one kayak off of each Ama and troll for salmon. When someone hooks up, you release the tow rope and the others sail on and leave you to fight the fish. I will show you one at ARW. The rescue type tow ropes are more expensive than making your own and not designed with fishing in mind.

Scott

  Is there other items I should have aboard besides the basics. Thanks for the help .

PatR

A knife with a serrated blade to cut through rope quickly in case you get tangled in the rigging. West Marine has an inexpensive folding knife which works well. Keep it on your PFD. I carry the allen wrench which is used for many of the bolts onboard in case something comes loose. I added a wind indicator and barber haulers for better sailing performance. I switched to wearing a visor because my baseball cap kept being knocked off my head. Always wondered why Hai always wore  visor.  BTW, I figured out why the CNG opens up and the Mirage drive pops out periodically and I fixed it. I posted it on the Hobie forum.

Scott

I switched to wearing a visor because my baseball cap kept being knocked off my head. Always wondered why Hai always wore  visor.  BTW, I figured out why the CNG opens up and the Mirage drive pops out periodically and I fixed it. I posted it on the Hobie forum.

Scott

Me too.  I switch to a visor awhile back.  The perfect combo for me is visor and a Buff.

Scott, got a link to your CNG fix on the Hobie Forum?  I'm too lazy to search for it right now.  You might wanna post it on our own NCKA Hobie forum too.

Thanks Scott I will check it out at the ARW. I thought my sail was to low because my hat gets knock off to, looks like I will be getting a visor to. looking forward to see a bunch of AI t the ARW tourney to see how others set up there rigs. glad you figured out your peddle problem.

PatR

I switched to wearing a visor because my baseball cap kept being knocked off my head. Always wondered why Hai always wore  visor.  BTW, I figured out why the CNG opens up and the Mirage drive pops out periodically and I fixed it. I posted it on the Hobie forum.

Scott

Me too.  I switch to a visor awhile back.  The perfect combo for me is visor and a Buff.

Scott, got a link to your CNG fix on the Hobie Forum?  I'm too lazy to search for it right now.  You might wanna post it on our own NCKA Hobie forum too.

http://www.hobiecat.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=41949&p=177385#p177385

here is an inexpensive floating rope

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product2_11151_10001_34732_-1____ProductDisplayErrorView

This is the hat I went to. With the chinstrap it stays on, and sheilds the sun and wind well. Also adjusts big enough to put a hood up under it when it's cold. When it's foggy or cloudy I fold up the brim for even more visability. Best hat I've ever had. It may look a little dorky, but you gotta do what you can to keep the melanoma at bay......

Glynn, buddy..

??? 

Opps forgot the link.
http://www.rei.com/product/767086/sunday-afternoons-adventure-hat