Is there a formula or calculation in determining the lengths for chain bridles?
[QUOTE=tugboatchief;102336]Is there a formula or calculation in determining the lengths for chain bridles?[/QUOTE]
I know of no formula but if too short, they experience a lot of inward tension and stress the towing padeyes but if too long, don’t assist much in keeping a barge inline. There is also the problem of them dangling down when hung off and dragging on the bottom so think for shallower harbors need shorter legs.
Something makes be want to remember that 90’ is a common length one will often find but my experience is West Coast where water is often deeper.
Width of the barge + a little extra for each leg is close enough. Plus a pigtail.
Chain bridles (with the pig tail) are often set up so that they are long enough to get over the rail and stop off so that you can make and break tow while hipped up, but just short enough to use as a stern line while hipped up.