Arrangements required for Launching and Towing.
A yard across either the main or mizen mast of a torpedo vessel, from ten to fifteen feet above the water-line, is a very convenient method for launching and towing. The leading block on the yard, through which the tow-rope is rove, may be fitted to a traveller on the yard with an inhaul and outhaul, that the distance out from the ship’s side may be regulated as convenient.
In a large vessel, the leading block for tow-rope can be fixed to the end of the quarter-boat’s davits. The brakes for commanding the tow-rope should be screwed firmly to the deck. In a vessel properly constructed for the service, they would be on the lower deck, the tow-rope having been led along the yard, and down each side of the mast.
A leading block for the tow-rope is placed on the deck by span or bolt a few feet in front of the brake. The safety-key reel, if used, must be fixed in a convenient position on deck, that the man attending it can see how to control it; in a properly-constructed vessel he would be in the pilot-house. The safety-key line leads through a small leading block on the ensign-staff or some convenient point abaft the lead of the tow-rope, that it may be kept well clear of it. The leading block on the yard may be fitted with a lizard, if thought necessary. A sharp instrument should be kept by the brakes ready to sever the tow-rope.