Typical Towing Configuration

Tender Tow
Dual-leg nylon bridle used in Tender Two yacht towing systems, designed for shock absorption and smooth towing performance.
- Nylon (Polyamide) Bridle
  • The dual-leg nylon bridle acts as the energy-absorbing element of the Tender Tow™ system, controlling shock loads during tender towing. Constructed from nylon double braid, it offers exceptional strength, elasticity, and fatigue resistance - ideal for towing applications where dynamic loading is unavoidable. Each leg typically measures 50-75 ft (15 25 m). providing a balanced connection that cushions impact and ensures smooth, controlled towing at any speed.
Close-up of grey 12-strand Dyneema® HMPE tow line used in TenderTow superyacht towing systems.
- Dyneema® (HMPE) Main Hawser
  • The Dyneema® main hawser is the powerhouse of every Tender Tow™ towing system, combining ultra-high strength, minimal stretch, and exceptional abrasion resistance in a lightweight design. Spliced directly to the nylon bridle, this HMPE tow line delivers unmatched load control and efficiency under towing loads. Each hawser is finished with a Dyneema chafe sleeve at the junction, ensuring robust protection from friction and wear. Typical lengths range from 100 to 200 ft (30–60 m) depending on tender size and towing geometry.
End of Dyneema towing hawser fitted with a Tylaska snap shackle, showing the primary connection point of the Tender Tow™ yacht towing system.
- Snap shackle / Soft Shackle Hawser Connection
  • The hawser connection is the business end of every Tender Tow™ towing system, providing a secure and easily managed link to the painter. The two most popular connection options are the Tylaska snap shackle — for a quick release — and the Dyneema soft shackle, favored for its lightweight strength and simplicity. Each connects to the eye termination of the Dyneema main hawser, ensuring durability, reliability, and clean, hardware-safe operation in any towing configuration.
- Tylaska Snap Shackle
  • The Tylaska snap shackle is the industry benchmark for tender towing applications. Each unit is proof-tested to 100% of its maximum working load and manufactured in the USA from heat-treated 17-4 PH stainless steel for unmatched strength and corrosion resistance. Available in multiple sizes to match a wide range of tender displacements, Tylaska hardware delivers the reliability, precision, and ease of use demanded by professional yacht crews worldwide.
A blue rope is tied to the end of a black cord.
  • Dyneema soft shackle. A new addition to towing applications. It is lightweight and  super strong. It floats and is endlessly customizable to almost any size or  strength. Dyneema soft shackles can be provided with Certificates from the  factory if needed.
Close-up of grey 12-strand Dyneema® HMPE tow line used in TenderTow superyacht towing systems.
- Dyneema (HMPE) Painter
  • The Dyneema® (HMPE) painter forms the final connection in the TenderTow™ towing system, running from the hawser end to the tender’s tow-eye shackle. Built in the same diameter and strength rating as the main hawser, the painter provides a short, high-strength leader for precise, hardware-safe attachment. Most configurations use a stainless steel thimble eye, though Dyneema chafe-covered eyes are preferred when protecting delicate tender hull surfaces. Typical painter length ranges from 10–20 ft (3–6 m), and catamaran tenders will require dual painters for balanced towing.
Stainless steel bolt-type safety shackle with oversized pin used to connect a TenderTow™ towing system to the tender’s tow eye.
- Bolt Shackle Connection
  • The bolt-type safety shackle is the final and arguably most critical component in the TenderTow™ towing system. This shackle provides the primary mechanical connection to the tender’s tow eye, delivering a secure, movement-resistant link that cannot open unintentionally. Most units are manufactured from stainless steel with an oversized bolt pin for maximum strength and durability. Because fit is essential, an accurate measurement of the tender’s tow-eye diameter is required to ensure proper sizing and optimal performance.