Harry Krause wrote:
I wouldn't want a towline attached to the base of a cabintop stepped mast.

That depends on what else is available to attach it to. On 99% of
production boats, the mast step is going to be *MUCH* stronger
structurally the the bow cleats, whether it's deck or keel stepped. On
an old gaffer with heel bitts or a samson post, then that would
obviously be the way to go.

A point to bear in mind though, the eye around the mast should be
secured in such a way that it stays securely at the base of hte mast...
it must be prevented from riding up with the boat's motion. If the tow
line slides up towards the middle of the mast, all kinds of bad things
can happen from capsizing the boat to buckling the mast (or both).

OTOH if you're only towing a short way at low speed in calm water, then
the bow cleats (both) are probably OK.

I've heard of bow eyes being snatched out of boats, and a heck of a lot
of cleats ripped clean off, but I've never heard of a mast coming out
from being towed.

As always, YMMV

Fresh Breezes- Doug King