đ Key Concepts
⢠Characteristics of nylon, polyester, wire rope, and chain in towing applications
⢠Why stretch (elasticity) and shock absorption matter on a long ocean tow
⢠How chafe, corrosion, and fatigue affect different bridle materials over time
đ Think About
⢠For a long ocean tow, do you want a bridle that stretches a lot, a little, or almost not at all? Why?
⢠Which material is commonly used for the main towing hawser versus for the short bridle legs close to the tug and tow connection?
⢠Think about what happens to each material (wire, nylon, polyester, chain) under constant load, wave action, and longâterm exposure to seawater.
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Before You Answer
⢠Compare which material is best at resisting chafe and abrasion where the bridle passes over chocks or fairleads
⢠Decide which material gives good strength with limited stretch so the tow does not âyoâyoâ excessively in a seaway
⢠Recall standard industry practice: what are most ocean towing bridles actually constructed from in commercial towing operations?