1992 McCulloh Applies for Patent on a Rotating Line Guide In 1992, With pemature towline separation became epidemic with Winchboats using fixed line guides. McCulloh responded by designing and later patenting a rotating line guide utilizing a ball bearing pulley system. Adjustable pulley height positions to accommodate different types of passenger supports is special feature of the Rope Guide. For example, if you were using standard harness, the position setting was higher vs. the gondola which was at the lower position. A key feature of the rotating line guide was to reduce the wear and tear of the tow line as is now the standard for all winchboats built after 2002. previous next