Two materials work well. Nylon stretches under load, so it cushions the surge as the tender rides up and back on your wake, protecting both boats' cleats. Polypropylene and poly-dacron combination rope float, which keeps the tow line clear of your propeller when you slow down. Many boaters keep a nylon line for open water and a floating line for tight, slow-speed towing.

Size the diameter to the weight of what you are towing and how hard you run. As a general starting point, 3/8 inch handles small inflatables and dinghies, 1/2 inch suits most rigid tenders, and 5/8 inch or larger is for heavy tenders and towing a second vessel. When in doubt, size up — a tow line sees shock loads a dock line never does.

When you accelerate or hit a wake, the tender surges against the line. A low-stretch rope snatches that load straight through to the cleats on both boats. Nylon's elasticity absorbs the surge and releases it smoothly, which is easier on the hardware and keeps the tow from jerking.

A floating line is a real advantage for towing. Polypropylene and poly-dacron combination ropes float on the surface, so when you slow down and the line goes slack it stays clear of your propeller instead of sinking into it. Poly-dacron adds strength to the mix, making it a popular tow-rope material.

In open water, let the tender ride two to three wave lengths back so it settles on the face of a wave rather than climbing your stern wake. Shorten up for harbors and close-quarters maneuvering. A bridle to two stern points helps the tender track straight behind you.

Yes. We cut every tow line to length and can hand-splice eyes or a full bridle so the load spreads across two stern cleats and the tender tows straight. Tell us your length and end fittings and we finish it to order.