When attaching to tow bow cleats or bitts, which line should be used?

When attaching to tow bow cleats or bitts, which line should be used?

• A. MOORING LINE
• B. TOWING LINE
• C. BOW LINE
• D. HAWSE

Answer: (C)

Use the bow line. The bow line is the line designed to be attached to bow cleats or bitts when towing from the bow. It’s specifically rigged for forward loads and quick, secure attachment at the bow fittings, helping keep the tow aligned and reducing wear. A mooring line is intended for docking and staying alongside a shore, not for towing. A hawse is the opening through which a line passes, not a type of line. A towing line exists for pulling a vessel, but for attachment at the bow cleats or bitts, the bow line is the proper choice.

Use the bow line. The bow line is the line designed to be attached to bow cleats or bitts when towing from the bow. It’s specifically rigged for forward loads and quick, secure attachment at the bow fittings, helping keep the tow aligned and reducing wear. A mooring line is intended for docking and staying alongside a shore, not for towing. A hawse is the opening through which a line passes, not a type of line. A towing line exists for pulling a vessel, but for attachment at the bow cleats or bitts, the bow line is the proper choice.