Towing a dinghy?
- Thread starter shamrock
- Start date
docofthebay
New Member
- Sep 10, 2009
- 461
- Boat Info
- 1985 390 EC
- Engines
- twin 3208TA Cats
Twin disc transmissions
I pull mine at the end of a 75 foot rope. 50 was too short, 60 was tolerable, 75 is good. I originally used anchor rope but as that sinks in the water, it was a nightmare when stopping or in close quarter manuevering as it could get caught in the props. I have since switched to "tube towing" rope which floats on the surface and is not as likely to inadvertantly get into the props.
Ididntdoit
Well-Known Member
I recent towed my lighter RIB 60' back on plane and it was squirlly - a friend towed his (similar to yours) on the same trip 100' behind his carver motor yacht at about 20knts and said it did well...........docofthebay - i was going to try 100' next, do you think that would be even better or do you feel 75' is the "sweet spot"
docofthebay
New Member
- Sep 10, 2009
- 461
- Boat Info
- 1985 390 EC
- Engines
- twin 3208TA Cats
Twin disc transmissions
75 is good for me and that is at full cruise speed. Somewhere around 65 to70 feet is where the dinghy is clear of wakes and spray and rides in clean water so 75 or greater should be fine.
docofthebay
New Member
- Sep 10, 2009
- 461
- Boat Info
- 1985 390 EC
- Engines
- twin 3208TA Cats
Twin disc transmissions
I did something else as well that helped. At first I attached the pull rope to the one center ring on the front of the dinghy. That did ride A bit squirrelly. I then changed to a lightweight 12 ft harness that attaches to the two outer rings on the front of the boat. The tow rope attaches to the center of the harness. This provides much more straightline pulling and a much more stable dinghy ride.
hmcsw
Member
I pull a 13 foot Boston Whaler with 40 horse. I had a shop make a bridle. It is Y shape =. The short end have a 10 inch loop and are 29 feet long. The long leg is 59 feet. I then can adjust as needed. When at no wake I keep it within 6 feet of the boat. When going through the locks I either raft it along side or turn it parallel to the swim platform. The line is yellow poly, works great and cost me less than $100 to buy and have made.
Ididntdoit
Well-Known Member
Do you have pictures?
Gofirstclass
Well-Known Member
When you guys are towing your dinghys at "on plane" speeds, are you towing with the motor on the boat? Is the motor tilted up or do you leave it in the down position?
I tried towing with the motor on a few times but the dinghy wandered around so much I was afraid it was going to flip.
Also, how long a line do you use when you tow at cocktail speeds?
I tried towing with the motor on a few times but the dinghy wandered around so much I was afraid it was going to flip.
Also, how long a line do you use when you tow at cocktail speeds?
hmcsw
Member
Motor down about 3/4 of the way. Mine is a 40 hp and heavy does not move. If it did I would just tie the steering wheel in place.
<7knots it is about 10 feet back.
<7knots it is about 10 feet back.
hmcsw
Member
I will take some next time.
