Funny thing, Joe…
…I noticed that since you sent them the link to my pics, they’ve incorporated several of the changes in the new version of the rig. Do you think I should email them and tell them “You’re welcome.”? 
FWIW
I keep a 3’ short tow on the deck line just forward of the cockpit all the time. Although my waist tow has a short and long line, I’ve never actually had to use the short line; it’s mainly there as a backup and because it was easy to add to the rig. The one on the deck is quicker to access and I generally grab for it first when the need arises. If I happen to forget/lose it, I have the short line in the waist rig.
Why not they should send you new
rigs to test and or evaluate on dry land.
Yes, the revised NF Tow system should
– Last Updated: Jul-25-04 11:08 AM EST –
be called the Nystrom model ;-)
Brian, I agree. As far as I can see, most of Northwater's improvements appear to come directly from your modifications. I dropped a note to Nikki several days ago commenting about the changes. Her response indicates that the revisions came from feedback from several BCU instructors, my comments (i.e. your web pics and descriptions, etc.).
I actually have the new unit. At the moment I have one gripe. NW replaced the small brass snap link that is used to adjust line length with a larger brass model. Probably because the gate failure on my unit last season. This larger snap link is certainly more robust, but you have to pack the bag very carefully or it really jabs you in the back. I will probably take to wearing the system over my stomach, instead of my back. I expect it to be quicker to deploy from there and more comfortable to wear. It will also be less likely to interfere with my lay-back rolls.
I will let you know after I have some more experience with it.
Safe Paddling, Joe
Release?
Do you have some sort of quick release mechanism on the short tow?
Do you mean the deck attached tow?
If so, no I don’t. I only use it for “Quick and dirty, pull 'em out of harm’s way right now!” tows. For anything longer, I use my waist rig. In a pinch, I could cut the deck tow with the Rescue Hook that’s always on my PFD.
Wear it bag forward
That’s what I do. Aside from making it easier and faster to access, it’s more comfortable. However, you my run into problems with the buckle digging into your back. That’s why I replaced mine with 12" of Industrial Strength Velcro. There’s a small rubber ball on the end of the strap that serves as a pull tab. There’s no longer anything to dig into my back, but it’s very secure.
Make Your Own
Don’t buy a towline just make your own. I wear a PFD with a rescue ring. That is where I hook my towline. Use brass clips and 4mm climbing cord. I stuff the line in a mesh bag with the clips hanging out. Then I stick that into a zippered mesh bag. This work just find.
I’ve used this to haul a sick kayaker back to shore. Worked just find.