: right with you on simple things that make sense. Parallel forward deck
: bungies work better than criscrossing all over the place. People seem to
: grab bungie lines more often when they're mixed up with perimeter lines of
: the same size and color.

Good point. My IT had bungies around the perimeter, across the deck...everywhere. Waay too stretchy...solid line is definitely called for for grab lines.

: The most versatile line on my Express is a
: doubled,or tripled length of 1/4" polyyachtbraid between recessed
: cleats and the front u-bolt. It's thick enough to not hurt, loose enough
: even when tight to grab from either side to flip it over, can be a painter
: in five seconds and short tow line (20ft) in about 30seconds, and floats.
: Well, that makes a consensus I'd say!

My Mariner-style running deckline got low marks in my IDW since there was too much slack. The "preferred" decklines had attachment points every 2 or 3 feet so there was a lot less deflection when a swimmer grabbed it.

I definitely agree, though, that the system is still the most versatile thing out there...you can use it for a multitude of tasks. I also like using it when I jump out before the beach in 2' dumping waves, and can grab it right at the cockpit and start running up the beach. Letting it slide through my hand, I can continue up the beach without letting go of the boat, and I can haul it onshore as soon as my hand hits the U-bolt.

If you use it as a towline, do you feel you can predictably and quickly release it in an emergency?

Shawn