🔍 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
💭 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 long‑term exposure to seawater.
✅ 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 ‘yo‑yo’ excessively in a seaway
• Recall standard industry practice: what are most ocean towing bridles actually constructed from in commercial towing operations?