Towfish And Optional Depressor Connection; Tow Cable Disconnection - Klein 3900 Series Operation And Maintenance Manual

3.4.3

Towfish and Optional Depressor Connection

The shackle on the tow cable connects mechanically to the towfish K-Wing
depressor tow bracket using a tow pin. The depressor connects mechanically to the
towfish. The waterproof connector on the towfish jumper cable connects to the
waterproof connector on the tow cable, and the tow cable jumper is secured with
cable ties to the top of the towfish.
NOTE Use of a lightweight cable with a K-Wing II depressor is not
recommended. Only a K-Wing depressor can be use with this cable.
The towfish mechanical and electrical connection procedure is as follows:
Remove the retaining ring from the beveled end of the tow pin, withdraw the
1.
pin from the tow bracket and set it aside. Remove the two bolts and tow
brackets from the welded-on six-hole towing flange. Take note of the location
of the tow brackets for future reference.
2. Position the K-Wing depressor over the towing flange in the same location as
where the tow brackets were previously connected. Secure the depressor to the
towing flange with the fasteners provided.
3. Align the tow shackle mounting hole with the mounting hole of the K-Wing
depressor tow bracket, with the shackle pigtail connector facing the tail of the
towfish. Insert the beveled end of the tow pin through the holes in the tow cable
shackle and the bracket, and secure the tow pin with the retaining ring.
4. If the towfish was previously configured for towing without a depressor, it will be
necessary to extend the free length of the tow cable jumper in order to reach the
shackle pigtail connector. Do not extend more than is needed to make the
connection and to provide free rotation of the tow shackle. Remove the dummy
plug from the connector on the end of the tow cable. Apply a thin film of silicone
grease to the pins of the connector. Do not over grease. Align the male and female
connectors, and press the connectors together firmly. If necessary, use a slight
side-to-side rocking motion while pressing on the connector, but do not bend the
pins. When properly inserted there should be no gap between the surfaces of the
two connectors.
3.4.4

Tow Cable Disconnection

If possible, it is best to keep the tow cable connected to the towfish while on deck.
If the tow cable is disconnected, however, it is very important that all connectors
be properly maintained. Connectors must be kept clean and must remain out of the
way of traffic while on deck. Klein Marine Systems, Inc. supplies dummy
connectors which can be used to protect the underwater connectors on the towfish
and cable when they are not mated to each other. The procedure for disconnecting
the tow cable from the towfish is as follows:
Towfish Setup
3-7