Pulling in a Tow Line

Pulling a tow rope in from the water to the boat can often result in a coiled mess of knotted rope. The proper way to take in the line is to pull it in hand over hand and let it drop on the boat floor in between your feet. Be sure to separate the handle from the rest of the rope when you are done. A lot of people want to coil the rope when it is pulled in so that it will stay neat. Resist the temptation to do this. Coiling can often result in a knotted rope. It is, however, acceptable to coil the rope when you are storing it away.