Where to purchase a tow post?

PacificNWrib · 02 June 2009, 19:29

I have done some googling and I cannot find a place to buy a tow post for the bow? Any ideas?

Thanks,

John

chewy · 02 June 2009, 19:33

I know it doesn't help but you'd be better towing from the D ring.

PacificNWrib · 02 June 2009, 19:36

The tow post would be to tow other vessels that are in need.

chewy · 02 June 2009, 19:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by PacificNWrib

I have done some googling and I cannot find a place to buy a tow post for the bow? Any ideas?

Thanks,

John

You mean for towing other boats alongside you rather than astern.

Rigaud · 02 June 2009, 23:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by chewy

I know it doesn't help but you'd be better towing from the D ring.

Always the prefered way to tow and keep control, also try and use one of these to make easier to steer in a straight line.

sunrider · 03 June 2009, 01:07

Hi John....if it's a bow post you're after you might search using the term "sampson post" or "samson post" and see if any of the results serve your purpose. I've found good luck with fabricating what I need - any aluminum or stainless welder can put together the pieces. Your profile says your boat is 4 meters...I think you may find that on the shelf posts are typically too bulky for that size boat, so fabricating your own may be the best choice. And, of course, you will need to have a strong mounting surface and backing plates to take the stress.

Another possibility is to search the marine surplus stores online - the ones in Florida (or wherever there are hurricanes!) have a large inventory of deck hardware. and, If you could post a picture or drawing of specifically what will work for you then perhaps someone here can point you to a specific source. best of luck with it....
bryan

PacificNWrib · 03 June 2009, 03:18

Thanks Bryan. That is what I am looking for. I found a picture of one on a RIB and I found some in the UK. I will have to call and found out what it would cost to ship it stateside.

John

chewy · 03 June 2009, 06:11

Off topic but we always tow from the stern with a good length of rope. Once closer to home the boat can be brought alongside for easier moving.

Where we are its no good having a boat alongside for towing unless it was flat calm.

sunrider · 03 June 2009, 12:56

the picture helps a lot.....I've seen these around and am sure you could find one stateside if the UK costs are prohibitive. Here's a link to one option that West Marine offers - may be too large for your purpose though....

http://www.westmarine.com/1/1/17517-...om-seafit.html

here's one in Canada...

http://www.weldnshine.com/marine_wares.htm

here's one on the UK ebay site:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Stainless-Stee...601149004r5085

and one from the UK....

http://www.solentmarine.co.uk/acatalog/cleats.html

jyasaki · 03 June 2009, 16:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by PacificNWrib

The tow post would be to tow other vessels that are in need.

Hmmm. I assume you'll be towing the disabled vessel behind you? Having the tow line secured at the bow of your boat is going to make the steering awfully twitchy.

When I tow a disabled boat, I usually use one of the transom eyes, and keep the line fairly long (additional stretch helps absorb shock loading.) [Note: I have been considering adding a small post on the motor pod (essentially a swim step, I guess) for these situations.]

When approaching a dock or marina or other tight quarters, I go side-by-side, with my boat tied as far back on the disabled vessel as possible (makes steering easier. Still goofy, but easier.)

jky