🔍 Key Concepts

• Tow bridle geometry and how leg length affects forces and motion • What mainly causes yawing (side-to-side swinging) of a tow • Operational vs. stability/handling factors in towing

💭 Think About

• Ask yourself: What is the primary reason mariners adjust the length of the bridle legs specifically, rather than other parts of the tow rig? • Which option directly relates to how the tow tracks in a straight line behind the tug, instead of focusing on crew/gear limitations? • Think about a tow that keeps swinging off to one side and then the other. Which factor here would you change the bridle length to control?

✅ Before You Answer

• Identify which option is about handling/track-keeping of the tow rather than about equipment capability or dimensions alone. • Consider which factor is most directly affected by bridle leg length and angle (geometry), not just by towing winch power or vessel size. • Rule out options that are more about practical limits (like gear or freeboard) instead of dynamic behavior of the tow in the water.