Cruzerboy
Well-known member
- Joined
- Oct 18, 2014
- Messages
- 77
- Fluid Motion Model
- C-288 C
- Hull Identification Number
- FMLT2925D515
- Vessel Name
- Life Savor
- MMSI Number
- 367678210
There seem to be as many good ideas for storing, deploying, and retrieving stern tie lines as there are Tugnutters. After thoroughly researching the topic, we decided on the following: Floating rope suitable for stern ties and dinghy towing comes on several sizes of plastic spools. (Free empty spools are often available at Fisheries in Seattle.) We JB Welded plastic reducer/adapters to the ends of a spool. These were fabricated from plastic material scrounged from an old cutting board. Then we mounted an “axle” on our swim platform railing using readily-available parts (again from Fisheries.) One end cap was “welded” on one end. The other end cap remains unfastened on the axle so the spool can be slipped on and off the shaft. The spool, when not in use, stores neatly in the port storage locker.
The assemble worked so well, we duplicated the shaft/fittings on the other railing to brace our dinghy outboard from lateral movement while under way. In that case, both end caps were “welded” on. BTW, at Fisheries anyway, a whole spool (600’) of rope was much cheaper than buying a custom-cut shorter length by the foot. See pictures in my album if you’re interested.
Tom Ahlers
Life Savor
Seattle
The assemble worked so well, we duplicated the shaft/fittings on the other railing to brace our dinghy outboard from lateral movement while under way. In that case, both end caps were “welded” on. BTW, at Fisheries anyway, a whole spool (600’) of rope was much cheaper than buying a custom-cut shorter length by the foot. See pictures in my album if you’re interested.
Tom Ahlers
Life Savor
Seattle