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[Tim Logan]

I'm looking for info on how to realistically connect a rc tugboat to a barge etc. Where to connect on the tug? Correct knots? How should the tow point in the tug be reinforced? Methods to connect / disconnect remotely? Thank you.[/size][/font]
PS My tug ((MrDarby) will also be capable of pulling me in a kayak. Any thoughts on those type of connections???!!

[Umi_Ryuzuki]

A cross member between the hull sides, or connection down to the hull.
A thickened area of deck around the tow point. 

The vacuformed bullnose below was reinforced with aluminium/brass, and filled with resin.
 
The second was a resin casting drilled out and reinforced with aluminium and bolted to the deck.
The deck was thickened with a piece of 3/8" plywood.
 

[Tim Logan]

Hi Umi!
  I didn't realize you used this forum. Thank you for the input. Should the connection point be as close to mid ships as possible? What % of the length from the stern? Other than good operating procedures, any secrets to not getting towlines tangled in props. Any such thing as "normal" towline length for barges? My first barge for the Darby will be 47". Thanks again.

[Umi_Ryuzuki]

The farther away from the rudder the better.
Most models have that tow point worked out by real ship builders.

Don't back up..."Why did you back up...?", was what I heard when I put the line into those "underwater winches".
Some people will put a working winch on the model to take in the line and manage that issue. I ran a length of chain
from my tow point off the stern of my  boat, so that the portion hanging down by the propellers hangs heavily rather
than being drawn under the boat and into the propellers.

[Tim Logan]

Got it - thanks Umi 

[Umi_Ryuzuki]

Tow line length...
 As long as you want, but typically about the same length as your barge or a bit longer.
Too long and it gets unwieldy. I try to make sure I have enough to come back along
side the tow and push it into the dock.
 A tug on the bow of a ship is often pretty short. Deck hands are useful in that respect.
.

[Tim Logan]

Thanks Umi. Did you work on real tugs at some point? Just curious. You know so much!

[Umi_Ryuzuki]

No, well, one day job on a tug, as a relief crew. Smallest barge ever...
But most time was a short stint on the water taxi, river pilot boat. 

[Tim Logan]

Well you sure know your stuff ! Thanks Umi.